I first saw the work of Jacobo and Maria Angeles at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market 2010. The husband and wife team from near Oaxaca in Mexico create special wood carved and painted animal figures called ‘Alebrijes’.
Each ‘Alebrije’ is carved following the shape of the copal wood branch, then the Angeles cover each unique sculpture with their delicately painted symbols originating from ancient Zapotec art. The same symbols which can also found on local Zapotec pyramids and ruins.
The end effect is a stunning combination of form, colour, texture and symbolism. With details so precise and rich that photographs cannot equal the experience of seeing a Jacobo and Maria Angeles ‘Alebrije’ in real life. Click on each photo below for a bigger image to best appreciate the incredibly detailed painting.
Using natural paints if you visit their workshop they will demonstrate how each colour is made using local materials, tree bark, lime juice and honey for example.
For more information and a great trip visit the Angeles workshop in San Martin Tilcajete or go to www.tilcajete.org
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