One could only imagine the inspiration of a place where lush mountainsides reach to the Pacific and giant monarch butterflies flock for a winter getaway. Its name meaning the “place of the fish,” more flows in the state of Michaocán than the animals that thrive in this natural haven. The folk arts and crafts of the native Purépecha people have thrived right along with its unique and rare fauna. Rich in resources and metals, the Purépecha  were able to avoid early takeover attempts by the Aztecs as they lacked little from their environment and harnessed weapons with the region’s copper. From the hands of Michoacan’s artesanías, pottery, ceramics, sculptures, masks, ornaments, textiles, instruments, toys, and figurines burst forth to weave together nature and tradition of the volcanic mountains.

A result of Spanish conquest, each of the more than 200 villages specializes in its own particular art form. And the region is not short of shops and fairs boasting this fine artistry. Giving homage to the early peoples of Michoacán, the artesanías, often of native descent, are highly skilled at their artwork or craft. Some of the most famous being the San Jose de Gracia’s detailed ceramic pineapples and Ocumicho’s diablitos, or little devils, that depict Hell‘s fate. Many of the processes involved are painstakingly slow using traditional techniques, as men and women are often designated to certain work. The hand-hammered copper of Santa Clara is a great testament to the intensive work involved. As the artesanías are a living history carrying stories before the Spanish arrived, it is no wonder that Michoacán is dubbed ‘the heart of Mexico.’

Meet the Artesanías

Have you ever walked into a home, a museum or a fine hotel and seen a piece of glazed pottery that just took your breath away?  Guanajuato’s favorite son and one of Mexico’s most celebrated artisans Gorky Gonzalez (named after Russian writer Maxim Gorky) has been creating such pieces for 40 years.  Gorky’s exquisite dinnerware, service pieces and whimsical showpieces are created with a double-glaze technique imported from Mediterranean Europe known as “majolica”.  Each unique creation is shaped on potter’s wheels, dried in adobe-walled storerooms, decorated with plant, animal or folkloric figures in subtle blue, green, yellow and beige hues, then baked in modern electric ovens.

Winner of the National Award of Sciences and Arts, Gorky’s work is the favorite of architects and interior designers throughout Mexico and around the world.  Whether to browse, marvel or purchase an $11 cup or a $1500 waist-high urn, be sure not to leave Guanajuato without visiting Gorky’s studio and retail store.

Visit his site: www.gorkypottery.com
Address: Ex Huerta de Montenegro S/N, Col. Pastita Guanajuato
Phone: (52)+(473) 731 0389

For more information about Guanajuato or other things to do while you’re visiting Gorky’s studio, check Explore & Go Mexico’s guide to Guanajuato.

See Mexico through the eyes of photographer Michael Sudheer from San Miguel de Allende. The video features photos from his upcoming book, Dreaming in Color: A photographer’s love affair with Mexico.

> Visit the site: www.dreamingincolor.com.mx
> Watch the video or SHARE on YouTube