More art and artists....

The work continues photographing some of Oaxaca's artists.  Again, the most interesting aspect of the adventure is seeing each of them in their studios, their own private spaces.  Obviously, one can tell certain things by just looking around and taking in the ambiance.  However, there are other elements at work, the light, the air, the sounds, the hidden and unseen parts, and above all, the patina, as it might be described.
Angélica Vásquez Cruz lives high atop the mountain overlooking Atzompa and much of the rest of Oaxaca in a spectacular setting.  Her garden is something else.  She is one of Oaxaca's finest ceramic artists and her work can be found around the world. 

She uses clays from various parts of Mexico and even get some from other parts of the world.

Her colors are all produced naturally.

Crispin Vayadares lives in a different part of Aztompa, much further down the mountain, about a low as you can go.  I don't think I could ever find his house again.  He drove out and met us, left his car and then guided back out.  His house and gardens seemed lush and overgrown, but remarkably tranquil, a hidden jewel.

He says his work is inspired by the textile traditions.

Obviously, quite a prolific artist.

I have known Carlomagno Pedro Martínez of San Bartolo Coyotepec for years.  Hands down, a remarkable artist.  He is one of the masters of "barro negro," the black pottery for which Oaxaca is so famous.

 The maestro created this figure from scratch, as if by magic, in about ten minutes.

He has always had a wonderful sense of humor and energy. He is also the director of the Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca (MEAPO) in his hometown

  Ay, pobre Yorick. Yo lo conocía bien.