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No one can visit Mexico without noticing the diversity of its folk art. Celebrating a rich tradition that reaches back more than 2,000 years, today, in villages, towns, and cities throughout Mexico, indigenous people and mestizos (people of mixed native and non-native heritage) continue to fashion art that expresses their deeply-rooted traditions.

This cultural wealth has been captured in a groundbreaking book (the folk art collector’s Bible), The Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art, published by Fomento Cultural Banamex and authored and edited by Cándida Fernández de Calderón. The more than 500 photographs are exquisite and are accompanied by eloquent explanations of complex techniques, and brief biographical profiles of the 181 artists.

In 1971, Banco Nacional de Mexico/Banamex instituted Fomento Cultural Banamex A.C. Over 38 years of continuous work Fomento Cultural has continued its commitment to the promotion of Mexican culture. Cándida Fernández de Calderón is the Director of Fomento Cultural Banamex as well as author and editor of The Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art.

Their goals are:

• To be a driving force in the education of culture and tradition in Mexico
• To promote research into Mexican history and national artistic heritage
• To develop and promote artistic projects throughout Mexico that enhance the identity and values of Mexican traditions
• To support the rescue and preservation of historical, architectural and artistic heritage of this country
• To establish partnerships with other institutions, groups or individuals, in developing their activities

Many artists learned their skills from grandparents, and many feel that their gifts are divine. Distinguished by incredible detail, Mexican folk art requires sensitivity, patience, meticulousness, and the ability to see beyond the obvious. Numerous great masters of today work full-time, either at home or in workshops, dedicated to producing their art. Some work part-time, making pieces exclusively for community celebrations. All capture in their pieces a spark of genius, an inspired idea or notion. From the selection and processing of raw materials to the addition of finishing decorative touches, the great masters of folk art do it all!

Folk art is deeply rooted in the social, economic, and cultural life of Mexico. It is embedded in a deep sense of community and symbolizes the ways of doing, believing, working, and being that Mexicans have developed throughout their history. Understanding folk art begins by appreciating the land and its people.

My love affair with Mexico and its art began over 25 years ago. During my travels, I have been fortunate to meet the “best of the best” of Mexican folk artists, and have written of how watching a weaver’s labor brought me to tears — the beauty and skill of her hands deftly working the hundreds of threads warped on a back-strap loom was magical and touched a place deep inside me.

The well-known folk and indigenous art show, Feria Maestros del Arte, held each November in Chapala, was inspired by The Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art and a specific trip to 16 villages to search for artists featured in the book. The book is divided into nine categories, according to the raw materials from which the art was made: clay, wood, stone, textiles, metal, paper, leather, plant fibers, and other materials.

Fomento Cultural has done more than just publish a brilliant book. They have taken The Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art “on the road.” Exhibitions throughout the US and Europe have brought the actual art pieces in the book to millions of people who otherwise might never have been exposed to the unparalled creativity that is Mexico Much more than a coffee-table book, don’t let the high price (approximately $125 USD) dissuade you from purchasing this “literary work of art.” If you love the art of Mexico, you will want this book. It is always available at Feria Maestros del Arte in November.

For information on Feria Maestros del Arte, contact Marianne Carlson (376) 765-7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com.

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