I'm headed back mañana after a month of house maintenance in El Norte. I also got a chance to touch base with some old friends, pieces from my collection of carvings. I feel very blessed to have experienced what was probably the golden age of alebrijes or carvings, the 90's up until 2006. Yes, there is wonderful art being produced now, but several of the old masters, the originators, have passed. Oaxacan woodcarving was hot in the international art world and people were enjoying and taking advantage of the acclaim and creating many masterpieces. Like this mask of Medusa by Margarito Melchor of San Martin Tilcajete.
The mask is two feet tall and even the back is remarkable.
Margarito and his son, Margarito, are still carving wonderful masks and a must see if one visits the village.
For many years I commissioned music stands from anyone who would make one. Here is a beauty by one of the grand masters, Isidoro Cruz, also from San Martin Tilcajete.
That's actually me and my two dogs.
Sadly, Isidoro has passed, but he lives on in his art and in our hearts. Viva Maestro y amigo!
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