Luis Pablo: Owl OaxacaWonderful flying owl by top Oaxacan woodcarving artist Luis Pablo. With its broad gray facial disc, bold black mask, and white crescent moons framing the eyes, this piece is modeled after the great gray owl, one of the most striking owls in the Americas. Luis Pablo carved it with wings fully spread mid flight, and those wide open wings are what make this piece they give it an expansive, generous presence. The painting keeps it simple and confident:

tiny silver-toned metal charms shaped like stars

two more musicians accompany the ceremony: one stands beside a tall huehuetl

You can really see Carolina’s hand here: trademark use of her textile heritage

Greek-key borders along the curving tail

This gorgeous cautious  cat by María Fuentes daughter of Zeno Fuentes

Every ex voto follows the same essential structure: the moment of crisis

This beautiful natural gourd has been transformed into a work of art through the traditional Huichol (Wixárika) technique of hand etching

in which beeswax and resin are applied to the surface

by contrast

is reborn here as a guardian of miracles

while the body’s gentle mass radiates calm

interlocking world of pattern: paisley teardrops