COSAS Online » Journals

Folk Art that is a Reflection of Every Day Life

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:50:04 +0000

The simplicity of this rural farming community gives the craftspeople inspiration. The rustic folk art reflects situations in every day life with their own twist. Animals reading from school books, musicians, angels and more.

The Greetings of the Dogs

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:30:54 +0000

Couldn’t resist sharing this great photo.

La Union off in the Distance

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:14:36 +0000

We arrived in La Union in search of some of the famous rustic wood carvers. It was gorgeous countryside and the threat of rain was haunting us. An unusual phenomenon during dry season.

Angelica Vazquez’ Profound Creativity

admin — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:04:14 +0000

Angelica’s work is always so well thought out. She tries to recreate some of the folklore that her grandmother used to tell her about when she was young. She travels throughout rural Oaxaca to find untique imagery and inspiration. You’ll often find depictions of plant life mixed with her magical creatures and religious iconography. Angelica had a tough year this year. About nine months ago, she fell off her roof and ruptured vertebrae in her neck. She was unable to work until just recently and still suffers some pain and can’t lift heavy items. Her energy is still very strong and vibrant. And her gift of storytelling is unmatched.

Zeny Fuentes in San Martin Tilcajete

admin — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:25:04 +0000

We spent a day in San Martin shopping for carved wooden animals and alebrijes. One of our first stops was with Zeny Fuentes. He was busy at work with a machete. Other family members were at work painting. Jennifer bought a beautiful hummingbird enjoying the nectar of an orchid.

Doloras Porres is a National Treasure

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 22:27:34 +0000

Doloras Porres has been doing the most wonderful pottery for nearly 65 years. You probably know her for her dimensional bowls with the torso and head of a woman with flowing hair. Or maybe the pots with half faces in bas relief. Today she is 77 and suffering from Diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease. Last month, the state of Oaxaca celebrated her life and contribution to Mexico’s rich culture with a fiesta at her house. They brought her a wheel chair as a gift. Tributes to her were written up in many local magazines and newspapers. Though she is clearly suffering, she still welcomes all into her home and taller. Though she can no longer work, her son Ronaldo is carrying on her tradition in his own style. We brought back a few of the remaining pieces that she made. Her work and her gentle soul will be her legacy. We’ll always love her.

New Irma Blanco Sirena

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:04:27 +0000

This beautiful Sirena by Irma Blanco was just finished firing the first time we visited this trip. We bought her for the store on our 2nd visit. Look for her early May at COSAS. After all, Sirenas are known to be the temptresses among the pescadores.

Monos de Calenda are for Dancing

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:59:08 +0000

We went on a mission to find the artists of these wonderful dancing dolls and met 3 different ones this trip. We had the idea of putting a pair of these 15 foot costumes in front of COSAS, but weren’t quite sure if Boerne is ready for that. The heads are crafted of paper mache and the costumes are draped over bamboo frames. They sit gently on ones shoulders and only the legs and feet show. When the dancer moves, the arms sway freely from side to side. These are great! Maybe I’ll make one myself!

This handsome Monos de Calenda couple is in front of the Casa de las Artesanias. Musicians serenade them until late into the evening.

Mole, mole, mole

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:50:40 +0000

The market in Oaxaca was full of all 7 kinds of mole. We did our best to eat as much of it as we possibly could. But, one of our group members outdid us and ate mole 6 times out of 8 dinners…and still wanted more. Besides, she had it for lunch a couple of times too!

The Plaza in Oaxaca is as Alive as Ever

admin — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 21:14:00 +0000

We flew into Oaxaca instead of driving this trip. It was just a bit too long of a drive after just having driven to Mexico City in late January. We arrived in dry season and it was HOT, but wonderful. We sat on the plaza the first night was enjoyed tacos con salsa de mole negro. We enjoyed the music and all the people watching. The city was alive and hopping at 10pm on a Wednesday night. Musicians, young novios, venders selling clothing, jewelry and wooden combs. Everything was as it should be.