Heron Martinez was a master clay artisan who lived in Acatlan, Mexico during the 1960′s and 70′s. This 3 foot tall tree of life comes from his “white period.” The tree is made of clay, then fired, then painted with a white gesso, then painted in the lively colors so characteristic of Martinez. It was purchased around 50 years ago by a woman traveling in Mexico, eventually given to her nephew in Finlayson, Minnesota. Sadly, Heron Martinez is no longer living and none of his family members have carried on the tradition.

I found it on Craigslist recently and it’s now in my collection.

I’m going to bring it in for the Grand Opening of the Zinnia Folk Arts so everyone can enjoy it. It is truly amazing!

The face, and life story, that continues to inspire! Click on the photo for more information about each piece…

Saturday, February 25 will be the last day at GUILD Collective for Zinnia Folk Arts!

We are moving to our new space at 826 West 50th in Minneapolis and hope to open in late April or early May, 2012.

GUILD Collective  will be having a Red Tag sale throughout the store from Wed, February 22 through Saturday, February 25 and ALL Zinnia Folk Arts will be 20% off.  A few things will be marked down even more…

What will be included?  Day of the Dead folk art, some Guatemalan saints, some ceramics, some Frida Kahlo things, glassware, and a few random things that are “last ones.”

If you’re wondering whether something will be marked down, just ask on the handy form below!

Generally, when the subject of folk art from Mexico comes up, people usually think of the wood carvings of Oaxaca. These colorful little ambassadors have become world-renowned as representative of Mexico and can literally be found almost everywhere. They have so saturated the thinking of what is Mexican folk art that it can be difficult to pull people away to see that the handmade arts of Mexico encompass so much more.

Did you know that this carving is from Oaxaca?  No?  Sadly, when one says, “wood carvings of Mexico” the carvings of artisans from the Oaxaca area bring to mind multi-colorful, overpainted, roosters with toothpicks sticking out of their backs. They come in many colors and are mostly animals with bright colors and lots of dots. Or fantastic creatures called, “alebrijes” which I’ve always found unappealing.

The Oaxacan carvings we carry at Zinnia Folk Arts are somewhat different. We prefer the more rustic carving style. This more primitive (less decorated) style comes from the tiny town of La Union, Oaxaca. Many of the carvings we carry are by the Santiago family. The pineapple lady above was carved by Eloy Santiago, and the cart below by his cousin.

The colorful musicians are another example of the more rustic style.

Another town in Oaxaca, known for its woodcarvers, is San Martin Tilcajete. And these styles, below, (hummingbird by Angeles family and tiny masks by Xuana family) are more indicative of the aesthetic in that town.

Which style do you prefer?

The Otomi Indians are experts at embroidering! Here are a few examples of the colorful and skillful needlework done by this group who come from the region surrounding Puebla. One finds their textiles in many places in Mexico–some is quality work and some is not–be sure to check the tightness and closeness of the threads. We usually have a supply of colorful work, both single color and multi-color.  I had the lampshade covered after I got back to the States…I’ve seen pillows, headboards, ottomans, duvet covers, chair upholstery…use your imagination!

Click on the photo or here to read more!

Here’s an example of the darker tin that’s more common in Guanajuato and Jalisco. And this is a unique shape for a nicho box…they are usually rectangular but this artist used some creative freedom…

One of the most unique folk arts of Mexico is the creative use of tin. Above are two photos of some lovely lumenaria.The lower photo is a wall shrine or nicho box to the Virgin of Guadalupe. The designs are cut and hand tapped or chiseled into the sheet of tin. It takes a long time to learn how to do it well! The shiny tin is known as either, “hojalata” or “lamina” depending on where you are in the country.  I love tin and am always amazed at the amazing designs and ideas that these folk artists create!

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Another One of the Handmade Traditional Arts from Mexico

I’m back from a great trip to Mexico! And I’m still thinking about this delicious tostada that is so simple to make, even if you’re not Mexican.

Take a corn tortilla (either already baked or fry it to make it harder) and then spread some refried beans on top of the tortilla. (I buy already made frijoles at the Cinco de Mayo Market on 38th and Nicollet but you could make your own or ugh, use the canned ones). Then spread some roast chicken on top, (again, I take the easy route with a roasted chicken from the grocery store but you could cook your own), then some shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, queso fresco or crumbly farmer’s cheese and then some smooth crema from the Mexican market or thinned out sour cream (like creme fraiche) on the top. Dig in. It is so GOOD and so easy and so very Mexican.

Sonora Market, also known as the “Witches Market,” is not far from the Centro Historico in Mexico City. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for ingredients to make a cure for an ailment, buy amulets to ward off or attract spirits, or to purchase a “limpia” or a “cleaning”  from a curandero to get rid of the bad spirits. I went to see if there was anything interesting, and of course, like all markets in Mexico City, one can find just about ANYTHING!