Mexican Folk Art: William Spratling said this of it, “I am convinced that folk art is basically possible only when you have a group of people who are happily unburdened with instruction, people who are free to focus and feel the need to produce with their hands in order to make a living. Their imagination is thus poured in an untrammeled way into their products, whether it is silver or the weaving of simple cotton textiles, hand-blown glass or ceramics.” To that it could be added that Mexican folk artists have much more often than not, grown up in families making folk art for generations. From infancy throughout their formative years they are living and sleeping with the art all around them, playing with it and trying their hands at it early in life so that it becomes second nature.
Masks of Mexico
Masks were an important part of Mexican culture long before the Spanish arrived. Today, masks are mostly found in the southern, central, and northwestern states of Mexico where many Indian populations live. Masks are still used at many festivals and ceremonial dances. Many of the masked dances are performed to securehappiness and good fortune.
Laquerware
Lacquer is done in three regions—Michoacán, Guerrero and Chiapas. Three basic methods are used to create lacquerware: inlaid (embutido) is popular in Michoacán; painted (aplicado or dorado) in Guerrero and Chiapas; or carved (rayado) in Guerrero.Laquerware often comes in the form of gourds, as well as woodentrays, dishes, and boxes. Decorations include flowers, leaves, people, birds, and other animals.
