Puerta del Cielo Cooperativa - Paper Maché, Jewelry & Other Artesania

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Puerta del Cielo Cooperativa
Paper Maché, Jewelry & Other Artesania

Puerta del Cielo Cooperativa (door to heaven) is the brainchild of Marco Antonio Martínez. Inspired by his devotion and love of religious objects, Marco is noted for his exquisite, elaborate sacred art designs. Each piece reflects the "soul-purpose" of his sacred art to inspire and recreate in the mind of the beholder the spirit of Christ through the contemplation of art. A master wood carver, Marco Antonio uses a variety of styles and techniques to create his original and innovative gilded art pieces, including but not limited to, gold leafing and natural elaboration of recycled paper and fibers.

The cooperative was started in 1999 in Uruápan, Michoacán, Mexico, after Marco completed his Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design. His concentration and love of the religious aspects of the Purépecha culture was passed down to him from his father since his childhood. Marco has dedicated himself to revitalizing the traditions of religious imagery by guiding the work of craftspeople and their apprentices. He believes his work transcends purely religious themes by borrowing from mythological elements and abstract ideas of other cultures.

Marco uses red cedar, avocado and lemon wood, crafted carefully and used according to their own particular religious and artistic concepts. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and totally unique from the others.

First the figures are carefully treated with a mineral-base coat, which gives them both a softness of texture and a glow that shines through the finished piece. After the white mineral base coast, he applies gold, silver or copper leaf, giving an appearance of mystic splendor - he calls it the "noble" application.

Next, the figure is enhanced by a special polychrome finish, made with oil and acrylic pigments. From this is made tiaras, crowns, halos, lace, incrustations with semi-precious stones and hand-painted details. Finally, each piece is given an antique patina to age it.

The exquisite paper maché virgins shown are the work of Danilo, expert craftsman and an artisan of the high caliber. Using old newspaper and glue, he constructs these incredible art forms that are all hand-painted using unique techniques developed himself.

The art of paper maché is practiced all over Mexico in various forms. However, Danilo is a maestro (master) in his chosen subject matter of virgins, angels and other religious objects. For more than 20 years, he has specialized in working with paper ending in the examples of his work you see here - exquisite, unique, flawless work. No two pieces are alike and are perfect for adorning a nicho in your home.

Danilo's work appears in the Honduras Embassy in Mexico City, and are owned by people of renown such as Vicente Fox, the King of Spain, and Gloria Estefan. One of his virgins was also presented as a gift to Queen Sofia in Madrid, Spain. Owning a piece of Danilo's work is equal to finding a treasure - they are truly the most incredible paper maché we have ever seen.

Unfortunately, Danilo has no children to pass his art on to. He does, however, have workers who work with him so that hopefully this exceptional art will continue in Danilo's style.