The making of folk art in Mexico is done in the homes of families and is as much a part of the daily activity as cooking a meal or walking to the market for vegetables. In most families where folkart is made, the process includes everyone from the youngest to the eldest members. A lack of ego prevails, as the process is more important than who makes each individual piece.

So is the art process in the Michoacán home of Rosa Orozco Raya and her family. Rosa learned her craft from her late husband, Bulmaro Alejos Madrigal, who learned his trade from his mother, Elisa Madrigal Martínez, creator of the famous pineapples of Carapan.

The story of the Catrina begins with Jose Guadalupe Posada's (1852-1913) scathingly humorous portraits of society and political figures. His drawings were never meant to last. Written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries on flimsy newspaper, his satirical illustrations were read by the residents of Mexico City and then discarded. But Posada's prints did manage to survive the test of time, despit e the paper they were printed on.

Posada considered all members of the community fair game for his satirical wit. His most enduring image is the calavera Catrina, dressed in elegant European finery, adorned with a wide-brimmed, feathered hat. Originally he created La Catrina to illustrate the popular song “La Cucaracha.” Later he used this image to parody overdressed Mexican women who at the time had an obsession for French culture.

At first glance many are appalled or put off with figures of skeletons dressed in outrageous clothing. In Mexican folk art, death is seen as the other half of life and is a common motif. Mexico’s more lighthearted depiction of death is a good reminder for us of the inevitable and there is no more fitting creation than the Catrinas - one of the most whimsical artforms Mexico has to offer.

Rosa and her daughters work long, hard days to support their family since Bulmaro passed away in 2007. They have taken the spirited skeleton dressed in elegant finery created by José Guadalupe Posada and added their own whimsy. Although most of the Catrinas are female, Rosa gives males equal time. Each is handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Since Bulmaro's passing, it has taken this family until now to hone their talent and I believe they have come a very long way in refining their techniques and the quality of the Catrinas they produce.

Contact information:
351 509 9759 (home); 355 571 2011 cellular

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