More Mexican Folk Art

A few weeks ago, Mike and I wandered into a local resale/antique mini-mall type store to peruse a friend’s booth of records, cds, etc. Right next to his booth, I spied a multi-colored intriguing large wood panel with what looked to be yarn comprising the imagery. Like my Huichol yarn painting.

So of course I got a little closer to the panel, I actually got real close to the panel to inspect what was indeed a Huichol yarn painting on plywood.

A large panel, it measures 49″ wide by 24″ tall. If you’ve read my blog before, you know I have a thing for Huichol art so you already know that I snapped that painting right up.

I love the imagery, it’s as if the small figures from the yarn painting that I already have have been enlarged onto this painting. I haven’t hung it in the house yet, right now it just sits on an easel in my studio for inspiration.
Enjoy.

Huichol Beaded Necklace

image by kreimermusic

Back in March, Mike and I went to the Dallas Guitar Show. I’ve been to the show many times before, even worked a booth there a few years ago. Mike not only plays guitar, he sells them. He’s a manufacturer’s representative for Godin Guitars. So we basically live in guitar world. Therefore, a trip to a guitar show is not usual for us. Discovering fabulous Huichol art at a guitar show, well, that is very unusual.

There was a booth set up for the Hermes Music Foundation. They had on display several guitars that were beaded by Huichols, some beaded guitar straps and some fabulous beaded necklaces. A television was playing the story of the Huichol people and explaining how the foundation was helping with aid of food, supplies and musical instruments.

There was a photo of a wonderful beaded guitar that was given to Carlos Santana. It was spectacular. The guitars on display were available for purchase/a donation. But, unfortunately, it was well beyond our financial comfort zone. Although we both agreed a Huichol beaded guitar was just what our Huichol collection needed, we also acknowleged the money thing. We didn’t have enough to splurge on a beaded guitar.

But we did have enough to purchase this wonderful necklace and it not only hangs on display in my bedroom, I get to wear my Huichol art out into the world. The skill and talent of the Huichol people always amazes me.

Mexican Lacquer

In previous posts I have noted that Casa Mexicana is my favorite Mexican folk art store in Dallas. I desire to own almost everything they sell. In my dreams, I have a much larger house completely filled with artwork from their shop.

A few years ago, one of the coolest pieces that I had my eye on actually came home with me thanks to my fabulous husband Mike. I loved the shape and colors of this trunk and it caught my eye every time I visited Casa Mexicana. It was months before I got really close and examined the trunk, I didn’t want to raise the lust levels. When I finally gave in and peered closely, I couldn’t believe what I saw, cats! Imagine that. Me liking something that had cats involved and I didn’t even realize that at first.

Mexican Folk Art

Here’s another piece from our Mexican folk art collection. This is one of Mike’s favorites, he bought it for me from our favorite Mexican folk art store here in Dallas, Casa Mexicana. If you look closely, you’ll notice that this painting is created from yarn. Another Huichol masterpiece. Mike likes the whole psychedelic aspect of the painting. I am intrigued once again by the process, just as I am by the Huichol beaded work I wrote of recently. I love the imagery. The colors are fabulous and speak to my love of all things bright and bold. The yarn painting is 23″ x 23″ which is a standard size for this work. I just can’t imagine having the patience to apply the strands of yarn one by one to build the image. Huichol art never ceases to amaze me.

Mexican Folk Art

A few weeks ago I started a new occasional series detailing some of the Mexican folk art that I love and live with. My own little gallery of sorts. This is another in that series. Today’s piece is one of my absolute favorites, a Huichol beaded jaguar head that my wonderful husband gave to me many Christmases ago. He purchased this find at our favorite store of incredible Mexican art, a real sensory overload shopping experience, Casa Mexicana in Dallas, Texas. Here are some of the beaded Huichol art they have featured now on their web site.

There are also a lot of resources on line with many images of Huichol beaded art. Here’s a few for you to peruse: Zia Traders, La Fuente Imports, and Peyote People.

I can’t ever imagine having the patience to apply all these teeny, tiny beads to the soft beeswax. But I sure do love looking at all the wild colors next to each other in the mind boggling designs. Click on the pics to see bigger versions where you can almost count the beads.

Wonder if the peyote has anything to do with the Huichol’s intense creativity? Mmm……..

Enjoy.

Mexican Folk Art

Almost a year ago I wrote about loving estate sales and collecting Mexican folk art. Today I am starting another series that will showcase some of the cool Mexican folk art that I live with and love. And we are going to start with Frida. This piece is also the latest addition to my collection. This Frida is a ceramic skeleton bobble head that is about 16″ tall. Do you not love the glitter? I was lucky enough to be given a gift certificate to one of the local Mexican folk art shops in town and when I walked in their door the glittery bobble head Fridas jumped out at me. I have a Frida poster framed and hanging in the living room but it is just so tasteful. I like the trashiness aspect of this Frida and I think even she would appreciate the melding of genres in this creation. If you are not familiar with Frida Kahlo, click on her name. I have linked a different web site each time her name appears.

Isn’t she lovely?