Shorts about Mexican Folk Art

	Ceramica de Mata Ortiz. The finest ceramic in Mexico is know being produced in Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua. Master Juan Quezada rescued this technique from the prehispanic ruins of Paquime 40 years ago and since then he has inherited this tradition to more than 300 families.		Home
		Francisco "Chico" Coronel. Been born in 1941, in Olinalá, Guerrero, Coronel have helped to create a young generation of laqueadores in its native state, his eight children are among them. He has been awarded with more than 25 prizes, including 2005 "Living Legends, Great Masterpieces" by Fonart. His pieces include: trays, boxes, screens and large chests of great size, and gourds. The lacquer technique with silver and gold leaf, in which he is an expert, follows a particular process. Coronel applies gold or silver leaf carefully, burnishing with a stone so that the fine dust adheres. This operation must be made in a closed place to avoid that the fine dust comes off the leaf. Once the piece is covered with gold or silver, it must be dry. The next phase is the "Dora" (to decorate it with brush) with floral or other figures inspired by the forest (jaguars and birds are commonly painted), or with a combination of both elements.