This month's cover features a life-size clay figure sculpted by hand in the workshops of Martinez De La Mora in Chapala. The collection is inspired by visions of prehispanic Mexico and created individually for hotels, galleries and private collectors.
I spoke recently with Jorge Martinez, owner of the local business, who told me that he has been involved with the production of these impressive art pieces for two and a half years.
The idea behind these high-end pieces is to reinstil pride in the antiquity of the Pre-Columbian civilizations here in Mexico. The statues aren't based on specific representations, but spring entirely from the imaginations of a staff of artists who propose the figures. On average, 1 in 25 designs is eventually created. Each piece is completely unique.
The workshop staffs two designers and four, full time sculptors, who take anywhere betweeen 1 and 3 months to complete a statue, which are sculpted entirely of clay. Three types of clay are purchased from suppliers in Guadalajara; red, black and white, which are then mixed with water to the proper consistency by foot, much as they did thousands of years ago.
As the figures are not hollow but solid clay, a series of bamboo and brick supports must carefully be built around each to carry the weight during the air-drying process. When the piece is solid enough for firing, the lattice is removed and the figure hauled to a wood-burning kiln, where it is fired for roughly ten consecutive hours. The size of most pieces require that they be fired individually.
Unlike ceramics, the colors are added after firing in the final stages of the process. All pigments are natural and brushed on after the cracks from firing have been repaired, and a general sanding administered. The patinas are added at the last, depending on the artist's personal style and the figure in question. Sometimes stones are added as a final touch.
In their work as artists, the sculptors feel they are recreating personages from their collective past; the village headman, the high priest and warriors, down to the images from their myths and tribal lore. The basis for the work is not strictly historical, but a consensus between designer and sculptor as to what elements should be included in each character's statue.
Sr. Martinez confides that part of his endeavor is to show that Mexican artists can compete at a world class level, and to maintain his product at export quality. Showings and strong reviews in Guadalajara have given rise to prominent placements in known hotels at the coast and interest from foreign markets. It redoubles the pride and efforts of his hand-picked crew.
The magnificent, finished works can be displayed indoors or out, as resistence to the elements is inherent in the statues, which require no varnish to withstand rain, sun etc. Most pieces come with their own base and can be commissioned to fill specific locations upon request. A certificate identifying each piece and guarantee of authenticity is included with the sale, which can range from $1,400 US for the medium sized figures, and up to $5,000 US for the larger, more intricate offerings.
The striking, Warrior with Offering Bowl, featured on the cover is one of more than a dozen statues on display at the home of Sr. Martinez, where interested buyers can arrange to tour the grounds by appointment at 766-4109, or766-4179.
