Spectacular and rarely available from Mexico Folk Art Master Craftsman Oscar Soteno handmade clay Catrina Wedding Tree of Life candelabra (holds 4 skinny candles).Signed and dated Agosto, 2003; Oscar Soteno Metepec, MexicoMeasurements in photos - approx. 8\" tall and 7\" wide.
From the artist:
\"I started 30 years ago working as a 3rd generation in the family workshop, over time I began to study at the University and despite the fact that my father wanted me to study and forced me to grind the mud with a concrete roller under the sun, I stayed in the idea that I preferred to exploit my creativity than to continue studying. Since then, I have forged my own style by adding many figures and details, as well as vibrant colors in all my pieces to be able to differentiate myself. I have participated in many competitions, exhibitions and programs such as \"Grande Maestros\" of Banamex, which took off until obtaining the \"Presidential Award\" in 1994. All my pieces carry a certificate of authenticity.\"
Oscar Soteno was born into a Metepec, Mexico family with a long tradition of creating utilitarian pottery pieces. In the 1930s his grandmother began to produce small decorative items which were to prove exceedingly popular; eventually, these were to evolve into the large-scale, \"tree of life\" sculptures for which the family has become so well-known. Utilizing the local reddish clay, which is dried, ground to a powder, and then mixed with water and plumilla (the fibers of the local bulrush plant), Oscar forms and joins all elements by hand. The sculpture is then dried and fired in stages before being carefully painted in exuberant shades of hot pink, canary yellow, royal blue, and red. He has expanded the symbolism of the trees to include references to the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, or death and marriage. The fine, brightly-colored example titled \"Arbol de los Nacimientos\", includes, among the numerous flowers, a musical mermaid, an elaborately patterned wedding chest, and \"la Calavera Catrina\" - the elegantly attired female skeleton which has become a symbol of the DÃa de los Muertos.
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Condition: I take many, many photos to aid the buyer in fully seeing the item. I want you to see all sides! Please use the photos as part of the description of the item. I try my best to describe items. Please note that many of my items are vintage and a buyer should expect vintage items to show some age and/or wear and will not be described as \"new\".
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