There are a lot of handmade objects done by local people that define the art, culture and costums of a civilization. Mexico is a country where crafts have been created since Aztec times and still remain a very important part of life. The craft making in Mexico is a living tradition and there are a lot of specialized craftsman that make beautiful and unique things. I like to see all these objects as they have so much color, are particularly unique and some remind me of my childhood. There is a lot of creativity involved in the making of some of these crafts. The crafts vary by region and festivity. (To get more information refer to "Arts & Crafts of Mexico" by Thames & Hudson published by Chloesayer, 2nd edition, London 2000)

I like to create still life paintings of these objects as to emphasize their beauty and color or because it represents a particular tradition that I love; like pinatas, they are so colorful and the people that make pinatas are real craftsmen. They make them of all diferent sizes, colors and characters. They put layers and layers of newspaper with rustic glue (flour and water) that sometimes it's so hard to break them. The original pinata is the christmas star one with pointy edges, where these 7 edges represented the human sins, so everytime you hit the pinata, it's supposed you were getting rid of your sins. The pinatas are very popular for Posadas (mexican parties prior to Christmas) and nowadays to celebrate kids parties.

Another subject for my still life paintings -mexican folk art- is the celebration of "The Day of the Dead", which is a mystic celebration of Ancient Mexico but still a popular belief that the beloved ones that passed away will come a particular night to join them and share a special meal (usually it´s prepared by the family the departed favorite food)-. It concides with the All Saints Day from the Catholic Church (mixture of Natives and Spanish Conquistadoresthey tried to blend the NEW Catholic religion with the peagant Aztec gods).