Mexican handicrafts/artesanias are exemplified in the art of pottery. In the state of Michoacán, a group of men extract large chunks of clay utilizing picks and shovels. The material is put into sacks and brought back to the village on the backs of burros or mules.

This is the raw material with which Bulmaro Alejos Madrigal creates his celebrated pineapple pots with their bright green glaze. The work of this artisan stands out for its dintinctive appliqué work. At the age of 15, Bulmaro learned the secrets of working with clay from his mother, Elisa Madrigal Martínez, creator of the famous pineapples of Carapan. Today, four of his children are following his example.

In the beginning, they produced utilitarian pieces but were drawn to creating more elaborate objects. They began to fabricate new handmade figures which they entered in diverse competitions. Outstanding are the ornamental pineapples, elaborated with techniques of appliqué and openwork, and whose production requires exceptional skill and mastery.

Punchbowls, candleabras of various sizes, towers of pots and more, form part of the range of pieces that Bulmaro produces. He works fulltime on his handcrafted folk art ceramics as they represent his chief source of income. This is Mexican folk art at its best!

Bulmaro's brother, Hilario, who works hand-in-hand with him, is a featured artist in the beautiful "Great Masters of Mexican Folkart" book. Bulmaro attended the 2004 and 2005 Feria Maestros del Arte exhibition in Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico where his work was very well received.

If you are interested in purchasing some of Bulmaro's work, call Marianne Carlson at 011522 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com