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Renowned paper mache artist Joel Garcia will be visiting us again in August from Mexico City. Joel studied with the famous Linares family. Paper mache figures by family patriarch Pedro Linares elevated paper mache to the realm of fine art.
Book on the Linares Family Joel Garcia alebrije
Under their tutelage, Garcia developed the skills he has used so masterfully over the last several decades to create a vast body of work that puts him in a class of his own.
We are always excited when Joel comes to town to share his artistry, and this inspired us to highlight pieces we currently have by him at The Folk Tree as well as other other paper mache items available from Mexico.
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A little history...A traditional Mexican craft, many paper mache pieces are made for annual celebrations and observances such as Day of the Dead or the Burning of Judas for Holy Week. Artisans also create pinatas, masks, dolls and decorative items like fruit. Paper mache was introduced to Mexico during the colonial period in the 17th C., primarily as a way to provide objects for churches. The craft developed mainly in Central Mexico. This trade, much like metalwork and pottery, was dominated by certain families. The paper and cardboard used is mostly old newspapers and boxes, with embellishments, such as crepe paper, being new materials. Most of the more commercial products are created with molds, then painted with acrylics.
Other paper mache at The Folk Tree...
The two left photos (top and bottom) are by Saulo Moreno, another paper mache artist from Mexico City who was born in 1933 and currently lives in the state of Mexico. He began making toys and figures from wire, paper and wood scraps at a very early age. Moreno has been included in books like "20 Centuries of Mexican Art" and is recognized by scholars as a major figure in folk art.
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The Folk Tree 217 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena CA 91105
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