Papel picado means "punched paper" in Spanish and is a traditional folk art that involves cutting out intricate patterns on colorful tissue paper. It is used in Mexico to decorate altars, tables, ceilings and plazas during festivals. The tissue paper is then glued to a string in a line to form banners which are used as decorations for important festivities throughout the year. An infinite variety of patterns and designs are made in papel picado: flowers, birds, lettering, people and animals and lattice-work patterns.

"Mexico is so beautiful! I say this with pride and admiration. Its traditions, colors, folklore, nature, and culture are infinite. During these last years, I have found in my folk art an infinite range of alternatives that have given the opportunity for me to express part of our culture through my art."

Margarita Fick, self-taught artist, has taken the art of papel picado to a new level. Born in Guadalajara she began her art career at the age of four by surprising everyone in her family when she drew a doll with curly hair wearing a ruffled dress and holding an umbrella.

She acquired the skill of paper cutting at an early age by helping her family make handmade folk art cut paper decorations for the many fiestas and celebrations held on popular Mexican Holidays. Her skills were further developed by the practice of cutting paper using subjects that she envisioned in her dreams. She developed her knowledge of the human figure by cutting out dolls and dressing them in cloth of different textures and colors.

Circumstances during the early part of her adult life prevented her from continuing this art form, which was, and remains today, her first love. In her early forties, she picked up where she left off, recalling memories of her childhood, sweet and sour, in between funerals and festivities, and adding the indigenous pre-Hispanic heritage helped her reach her goal of elevating paper cutting to the level of Fine Art.

Works of paper originated in China and a type of paper called China paper was widely used by Europeans in the 16th century for various works of art. Peasants in 19th century Puebla, Mexico were forced to buy their goods from stores owned by the haciendas. China paper was one of these products. Aside from working the fields, locals found time to use their skill, creativity and mastery to work with this type of paper until they created an authentic handicraft - papel picado (perforated paper). Over time, techniques to cut the papel picado finished pieces have become more sophisticated. Artists first began using rudimentary scissors and then switched to forged-steel chisels, which made it easier to create more detailed, elegant works.

This traditional craft has survived because parents are adamant about teaching it to their children. Artisans began selling their works in neighboring towns and among hacienda workers. Perforated paper arrived in Mexico City in the 1960s, where it reached national and international fame (exhibits were mounted in the United States and Europe). Artisans do most of the promotion by displaying their works in galleries, at popular fiestas and in restaurants. Nowadays, even large corporations have their logos perforated.

The art of paper cutting has been accepted by the Montessori and Freinet schools in Querétaro in assisting in the development of children with learning disabilities and motor problems. Margarita has conducted seminars and classes at both schools. Her work is displayed in galleries in the United States and in the private collections.

This craft requires patience, creativity and dedication. The artisan's attention to detail can be seen and felt on every piece of work. Touch the fragile, delicate and very light perforated paper and you will feel the artisan's caring and love for their work.

If you are interested in purchasing Margarita's work, contact Marianne Carlson at 01152 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com

(Our thanks to Karen Henderson for the use of her photographs)