Mario was born and raised in Mexico City. As a young boy he always dreamed of being in the country with trees all around. As a child having problems in school, it was soon discovered that he was dyslexic and so he was encouraged to work with his hands and thus began his life as an artist.

As a young man, his desire to learn his craft brought him to Michoacán where he studied with James Metcalf & Ana Pellicer that taught him how to work in iron, and eventually in the wonderful weave that originated in the Phillipines. These handcrafts are made of a natural fiber (bullrush), called Chuspata, and it’s a variety of bullrush indigenous to Mexico. This is collected by the lake shore, and then webbed into baskets, purses, dolls and other figures representing images of their daily life.

Today, Mario lives in Michoacán among the trees, next to the Lake and living his dreams with his wife and children. After 30 years in his craft, his pieces are unique and highly prized and sought after. Here he works with his wife, putting their special stamp on crafts, fitting iron structures into furniture or animals made out of a reed grass that grows on the shores of Lake Pátzcuaro and that the local artisans use for a number of different things.

From time immemorial, the artisans of the Lake Pátzcuaro region have made diverse objects from chuspata. At first, they only produced bedrolls, the use of which continues to this day among indigenous peoples. Chuspata production generally takes place in family workshops with materials obtained directly from the lakeshore. These objects reveal a great deal of creativity.

Their creations which are showcased in the workshop and gallery “Tzumindi” are already world famous. If you are looking for an original gift or decorative item for your home, this is the place you will most definitely find it.

Although many of Mario's creations have a "modern" theme, the art of using chuspata is a handcraft that has been used for decades in Mexico. This is truly folk art at its best with a creative vision into the future.

Contact information:
tzumindi@gmail.com
(434) 344-0779
Ihuatzio, Michoacán

Or contact Marianne Carlson at (from the US) 01152 376 765 7485 or email marianne carlson@gmail.com.