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Clay Figures
We offer a wide range of clay figures from major
artists who work in a number of styles in a number of different
regions in Mexico.
Examples range from the thought- provoking art
produced by Carlomagno and Angelica Vasquez, where issues of mortality
and politics are introduced, to the work of Juan Jose Ramos Medrano
whose cars and farm animals evoke a more innocent vision of a previous
generation. Along the way are the tongue-in-cheek figures produced
by the Aguilar family featuring elaborate Fridas and ladies of the
night and the exquisite Catrinas created by Alvaro de la Cruz.
From the simple to the sophisticated, all of
the figures have the capacity to provoke, delight or charm their
owners.
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Bronze Figures
From the witty to the sublime, the bronze sculptures
of Sergio Bustamante
have captured the hearts and minds of collectors around the world.
Select from mythological and supernatural creatures that have emerged
fully formed from the artist’s imagination or scenes that will
stimulate your own.
The pieces are all signed, limited editions
and come with a certificate of authenticity. Nuestra Tierra is the
exclusive Northern California representative of Sergio Bustamante.
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Paper Figures
We feature several types of paper figures.
Probably the most famous are the wild and nightmarish
alebrijes created by the Linares family, which indeed were originally
inspired by nightmares and now have taken on a life of their own.
We also offer the figures of Mauricio Hernandez
who specializes in creating colorful scenes in paper, ranging from
street scenes to Mariachi bands, typically with a Day of the Dead
theme.
In addition, we have selected many of the papier
mâché creations of
renowned artist, Sergio Bustamante, who creates unusual figures
doing normal things and normal figures doing unusual things. These
works are available in signed limited additions.
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Day of the Dead
Día de Los Muertos is an important Mexican
folk holiday, lasting from October 31st to November 2nd. It is a
time when the souls of the dead return to earth. Families create
brightly colored altars full of gifts for their ancestors. The days
have an upbeat nature, as death and the afterlife are made into
a celebration.
Among the figures used are calaveras, or skeletons,
participating in every day activities. The calavera became a national
symbol during the Mexican Revolution, thanks to the patriotic print
artist Jose Guadalupe Posada.
Nuestra Tierra offers figures in clay and wood
that embody this mocking attitude toward death. Figures include
calaveras, catrinas (turn-of-the-century ladies dressed in high-fashion),
and devils.
Read about the Día de Los Muertos
celebration at Nuestra Tierra:
Day of the Dead — A Living Tradition,
Half Moon Bay Review, Oct. 31, 2001
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Nichos
The term nicho comes from the Spanish word for
niche, a place in a wall that was used in Colonial times for displaying
religious icons. Nichos offered by Nuestra Tierra are a modern folk
art that blends traditional elements of Mexican culture, humor and
materials. Both present-day and historical icons are combined in
new ways to surprise and amuse, often employing plays on words.
Ceramic figures (often with a Day of the Dead
motif) are displayed in the metal nichos.The figures and the nichos
are both crafted and painted by hand. Mexican folk sayings are used
with some pieces to set-up elaborate visual puns.
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Wax Figures
Sisters of the Augustinian Order brought the
art of wax figures to Mexico during the Colonial Period. Recently,
artists have rescued the tradition by reproducing folk characters
and religious figures.
Nuestra Tierra offers pieces by the master Aurelio
Agustin Arrendondo Rangel, whose work in wax is inspired perfection.
Made of pure beeswax mixed with colorants and other ingredients,
each figure is handcrafted to a high degree of realism and beauty.
WAX FIGURE ARTIST:
Augustin Arrendondo |
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Masks
Masks have always been an important part of
the culture of Mexico. In pre-Hispanic times masks were used in
shamanistic rituals. Today masks representing animals, religious
icons or the human face are still worn in festivals, carnivals and
danzas.
Nuestra Tierra offers hand-carved wooden masks
from several well-known artists including Jose Reyes, known for
his realistic faces used in the dance Los Catrines (The Dandies).
The eyelids of these masks can be opened and closed using a string
that hangs behind the mask.
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ARTISTS: |
Favian Camas Blanco
Victoriano Salgado Morales |
Jose Reyes Juarez |
Miguel Garcia |
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