I was saddened to learn of the passing of Isidoro Cruz Hernandez, the master carver from San Martin Tilcajete, who died recently in California. Don Isidoro was one of the most important driving forces behind what led to the golden age of alebrijes, the wood carvings for which Oaxaca is internationally famous.
He had a wonderful spirit, really quite cosmic, spiritual with a ever-present sense of humor. He was born in San Martin and spent his whole life there, although he traveled widely. I remember walking through the Boston Museum of Fine Arts with him and listening to his observations and opinions. I loved the guy.
He was out there, a visionary.
This cane, one I possess, depicts the twelve Aztec kings.
Siempre picante!
San Martin Tilcajete is one of the most prominent carving villages and Isidoro was to a great degree responsible for this notoriety. He worked with various arts and governmental agencies in the 60's and 70's to promote local artisans. His carvings are some of the best and most unique. His masks are all so amazing. This one hangs in my house in Boston.
As an artist and human being, I looked to him as a mentor and someone I hoped to emulate when I finally matured. He was intelligent, creative and gifted with all sorts of talents. I spent many days with him and have plants from his garden in my garden. One time, we were sitting there and all of a sudden he asked if I knew how to play pool. I misspent much of my youth in various pool halls, so I said, "No, but I am willing to try." a standard hustlers' line. He brought this little flimsy table out, maybe a meter long, balls all chipped, and we began to play. He was very competitive and it was his table, but in the end I won..... and the prices for the pieces I was buying suddenly went up.. a lot. That was the very last time I ever won.... I'm not a total fool. I remember buying him new pool balls and a "taco", a cue, in Waltham. MA and the look on his face when he saw them. As I say, a truly great man. I loved him.
My condolences to his family. However, Isidoro still lives... through his art and in our hearts and memories.
9 comments:
Oh, no... Gonna go out and smile at my pitahaya.
What a wonderful tribute to a talented human being. Thank you so much for taking the time to honor him.
Thanks, He was my Grandfather
A wonderful man. I always enjoyed visiting him in San Martin - gracious, smart, enormously talented. He taught me so much about carving and his community,
I will miss his unmatched creativity, carvings, conversations & care for those surrounding him🙏
I'm sorry for your loss. We shared frequent conversations on 6th St. In Berkeley, Ca., where he graced us with his presence. I am so glad & honored to have one of his peices.
I was lucky to have met him,shared a drink,and bought two Devil carvings.....one very old,the other a large one with St Michael I believe standing on the Devil.This was in 2000.Although we did not speak the same language I will always cherish this visit with "the man of the masks"
Don Isidoro lives on in our hearts and minds and in his wonderful art.
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