Mexican Wholesale

Los Ayala remains one of Mexico’s best kept secrets. It’s a “real Mexican” town that has kept its quaint ways, a paradisiacal beach town where smiles are abundant and freely passed around. This quaint Mexican town is commonly referred to as a “small town with a big heart,” and a piece of paradise that one is compelled to share with others.

What is so special about Los Ayala? Clearly, it is the splendour of the palm fringed beach and the striking beauty of the lush jungle clad mountains as they struggle to embrace the sea. Is it the abundance and variety of the flora and fauna found in and around this tropical paradise?

Los Ayala is lush and green and adorned with soaring palm trees and an abundance of colossal banana trees…. Flocks of green Mexican parrotlets sing gloriously sweet as they soar overhead in the immense blue sky.

Is it the shy Mexican chachalacas that hang about in the uppermost portion of the trees where they are well hidden by the foliage and, on rare occasion, can be spotted strutting like peacocks down the street in front of my house? Is it the glorious black-throated magpie jays that are occasionally seen during the early morning hours; the grey hawks and frigate birds who seemingly own the sky or the gregarious brown pelicans that hang out at the beach?

Is it the endearing coatimundi that are frequently seen or the lone grey fox that is glimpsed on the rare occasion during the early morning hours? Could it be the common but equally captivating neighbourhood goats, who manage to escape their confines every few days to roam the town streets? Granted, not everyone finds the goats charming, but they serve to provide great weed control, and on occasion a “Keep Fit” program for me when they start straying from the weeds and chomping on the leaves of one of my plants; obliging me to chase them down the street.

Could it be Los Ayala’s star filled sky dominated by a moon that is immense and surely larger than anywhere else in the universe? Or could it be the legend of the Ayala’s — a group alleged of bandits with the surname “Ayala” who lived here during the early part of nineteenth century? Local folklore says that there is a great treasure waiting to be discovered, hidden in a cave behind a golden door, somewhere in Los Ayala. Did I mention that Los Ayala beach was once referred to as the “Beach of the Mermaids?”

It may be the proximity to an abundance of hiking trails and hidden beaches, coupled with Los Ayala’s location at the south end of Jaltemba Bay just minutes from the neighbouring towns of Rincon de Guayabitos and La Peñita de Jaltemba where one can find most everything needed. If one tires of dining on fresh seafood and authentic Mexican fare at the beachside palapas in Los Ayala, Mexico, there are several first class restaurants close by such as Vista Guayabitos and Xaltemba Restaurant and Galeria. Los Ayala offers small town living with all the conveniences.

The incredible allure of this paradise can be attributed to any of these attributes, but surely what makes Los Ayala truly special is that it is a small town, filled with good-hearted, friendly people with an immense community spirit, and with a strong, spirited mayor who cares!

It is the way the local people befriend their international neighbours and welcome them into the Mexican culture and festivities.

It is the strong community spirit shown in the many community fundraisers and the spontaneity and exuberance of the participants at these fiestas and fund-raising events.

This small town with a population of just 500 persons (including ~ 150 children) raised enough funds through a community fundraiser in 2009 to build a beautiful town plaza for the residents of Los Ayala.

Los Ayala is home for at least part of the year to an increasing number of Canadians, Americans and Mexicans who reside in other parts of Mexico who all have one thing in common, Los Ayala captured their hearts!

Why?

They speak of the gorgeous perfect, swimming beach, charming palapa restaurants on the beach and realizing the dream of living in small town Mexico, enjoying a peaceful lifestyle and sharing in the genuine happiness of the local people.

They all mention the breathtaking views, surrounding nature, abundant lush foliage. The tranquil environment and immense opportunity to participate in outdoor activities. The smiling and helpful locals, the excellent food and the warm, sunny climate.

Families say that Los Ayala represents simpler times where people helped people, family came first and foremost, and life was not governed by the clock.

Canadian and American expatriates always speak of the opportunity to experience beachside living in a Mexican town, close to all the conveniences of Jaltemba Bay and the Puerto Vallarta airport, and the idyllic, tropical beach setting and perfect climate, warm days and cool nights from November through April.

Los Ayala is a truly magical place to make new friends and be re-united with old friends. All just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta…. Here in Los Ayala, you truly get the feeling, as author Alex Kerekes writes, “We are all connected!”

We invite you to visit this “small town with a big heart” and decide for yourself what makes Los Ayala so special!

Published or Updated on: March 13, 2011 by Christina Stobbs © 2011

Share this:

Click on pen to

Templo Mayor - Visiting Mexico City is an exciting proposition, one that promises the traveler many opportunities for adventure. A grand metropolis with one of the world’s largest populations, the city is an international destination for many travelers. Today, Mexico City offers the visitor the chance to explore one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Located in the heart of the city, the Templo Mayor Museum and ruins are a must-see when visiting Mexico. In 1978, a worker digging a city construction project near a downtown cathedral hit something big and hard with his shovel. The object in question was a 500 year old stone sculpture depicting an ancient Aztec goddess. This huge stone sculpture was no ordinary find. An incredible work of art depicting the moon goddess Coyolxauqui, this sculpture was the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Archaeologists were immediately summoned to the site and what was determined next was nothing short of incredible. The scientific community conceded that this magnificent sculpture provided evidence that what lay hidden underneath the streets of modern day Mexico City, was in fact, the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. More astounding yet, the ruins appeared to be those of the capital’s great pyramid, the Templo Mayor.

It has long been known by historians that the Spanish conquistadors, upon seizing control of Tenochtitlan in 1521, destroyed the Aztec city in order to establish their own. Temples were torn down and priceless artworks decimated. Spaniards built atop the structures they had razed, thereby erasing any vestiges of the once great city of Tenochtitlan. These ancient ruins and their mysteries, which are still unfolding, may have forever remained submerged underneath tons of rock and concrete, had it not been for that city worker in 1978.

Mexico was initially hesitant to destroy historic colonial buildings that lay atop these ancient ruins. Nonetheless, the decision was made to do just that. The legend surrounding the founding of Tenochtitlan is one that still lingers in the collective consciousness of Mexico today. Indeed, the country’s flag represents this legend graphically. An eagle is depicted, perched upon a cactus, devouring a snake. This was the sign that the ancient Aztecs sought in determining where to build their temple. According to legend, the Aztecs did encounter such an omen and the construction of Tenochtitlan and its great pyramid, the Templo Mayor soon commenced.

Construction on the temple began in 1390. When it was completed in 1487, in order to commemorate the event, thousands of people were sacrificed over a 4-day period. The temple stood 200 feet tall with dual shrines atop its precipice. One shrine, dedicated to Huitzilopochtli (god of war and sun) stood adjacent to the shrine dedicated to Tlaloc (god of rain and fertility).

Today, when visiting the site, some artifacts remain “in situ”, giving the visitor the opportunity of seeing the objects in their original setting. However, the site’s museum houses the majority of artifacts excavated thus far, approximately 6,000 objects.

Excavations are ongoing with one currently in progress that promises great rewards. Archaeologists believe they have uncovered nearby the tomb of Emperor Ahuizotl, the ruler of the Aztecs when Columbus landed in the New World and uncle to Montezuma. This would be an extraordinary discovery. To date, a royal burial chamber of an Aztec ruler has yet to be located, mainly due to the customary way in which the Spanish built over existing structures. The invaluable information that would be gleaned from such a discovery would be outstanding and perhaps, even monumental.

Resources: Mexonline.com

Share this:

Click on pen to

Margot van Voorhies–The Art of Mexican Enamelwork the latest title from Schiffer Publishing, is a lavish art book that showcases the work of one amazing and prolific jewelry designer. Van Voorhies created a jewelry company, Margot de Taxco, in Taxco Mexico in 1947 producing a stunning amount of intricate and now highly collectible pieces in silver with semiprecious stones and brilliantly colored enamel.

Her story isn’t just one of a designer but as a woman of the early 20th century, finding her way as both an entrepreneur and an artist. She was, in many ways ahead of her time, living as an independent woman and making choices that were outside societal norms. In 1937, after the murder of her mother and a divorce, she moved from San Francisco to Mexico. She had previously worked as a cosmetologist but found new work in a photography shop and in 1938 she married Antonio Castillio (who was 20 years her junior) and moved to Taxco. Castillo was a silversmith working for William Spratling and after the marriage, Castillo and his new bride established their own workshop. Influenced by the Mayan aesthetic as well as other regional imagery, van Voorhies created silver jewelry sets that quickly drew attention and business. In 1947, Margot created her own business, Margot de Taxco, where she continued to innovate in silver and champlevé. It was under this new label that she envisioned some of her most elaborate and memorable designs.

At this point the story becomes not only Margot’s but also that of the maestro silversmiths she worked with. The author, Dr. Penny Morrill has developed a history of modern Mexican silver through her research, writings, and teaching at George Mason University. She has established the Spratling-Taxco Collection at Tulane University’s Latin American Library to further the study of Mexico’s silver tradition and innovation and she adeptly navigates the complicated business history of van Voorhies and surrounding businesspeople and artists. Sadly, the story of the Margot de Taxco line does not end well. After a strike by workers in 1974, the business went deeper and deeper into debt and in 1977 Margot went into bankruptcy. Everything was auctioned off. Many of the dies for her designs in silver or enamel were bought by silversmiths Manuel Quinto, Meliccio Rodriquez and Benjamin Santarriaga. Reproduction Margot de Taxco pieces can be found online today. The last chapter of the book highlights contemporary Mexican enamelists, the artistic heirs of the Margot de Taxco legacy. 

The book serves both as a biography and an art book. It’s a well-researched jewelry history but also contains 485 brilliant photographs and includes an appendix that features the drawings for many of the Margot de Taxco designs. The book sells for $49.99 and can be purchased through the publisher atwww.schifferbooks.com as well as at your local bookseller or through online retailers.

Resource: Luxist.com by Deidre Woollard

Share this:

Click on pen to

The colonial village of San Cristobal de las Casas nestled in the grand Valley of Jovel in the state of Chiapas, and is surrounded by majestic forests of pine and oak rich with orchids, ferns and begonias is the crown jewel of the Chiapas central highlands. San Cristobal is in the center of one of Mexico’s most authentically indigenous regions. Founded in 1528, San Cristobal was named after its first bishop, Bartolomé de la Casas, who was a fervent supporter of the local Indian rights.

Today San Cristobal (population 120,000) is a classic Spanish Colonial town with a lively and celebrated Indigenous heart. It is a city of cobblestone lanes, red tile roofs, opulent churches and small tree-filled plazas. Long, straight streets ramble up and down several rolling hills that spread outward from the city’s main plaza. It is actually a series of traditional barrios (neighborhoods) that trace their roots to the old custom of trades, candle makers, blacksmiths, carpenters and fireworks makers giving each barrio a special magic in a colorful quilt-like quality.

Good views of the colonial city are had from two hills in the city center; Cerro San Cristobal and Cerro Guadalupewith a small Spanish colonial church waiting for those who venture to climb the hundreds of steps to reach the top. The city’s cool mountain air (altitude is nearly 7,000 feet / 2,100 meters) is invigorating and refreshing.

The city has some fascinating festivals, including Semana Santa (Easter), Feria de la Primavera y de la Paz (Spring Fair), Feast of San Cristobal, and the Día de los Muertos(Day of the Dead).

Ringing San Cristobal are many traditional Indigenous village where no fewer than 10 different dialects are spoken. These villages are an anthropologists delight with traditions dating to pre-conquest times. Two principle communities, Chamula and Zinacantán are easily reached and are must-sees. Their festivals and churches demand a traveler to open their eyes to new ways of seeing and dreaming.

One can use San Cristobal as a base to visit many outlying communities such as Tenejapa, Amatenago, Ocosingoand the Maya ruin of Tonina and Comitan with it’s wonderful, little visited Maya ruins of Tenam Puente andChincultik and the magnificently colorful Lagos de Montebello, a Mexican National Park. All can be easily visited in one day.

Palenque, Bonampak and Yaxchilán, the crown jewels of Maya sites, can be visited alone or with a guided tour on longer, two and three day visits. These sites are located in the selva of Chiapas, a vast track of jungle, filled with numerous varieties of trees, orchids and wildlife. Deeper in the selva one may visit the largest natural lake in Chiapas,Laguna Miramar, with it’s crystalline waters, perfect climate and a mix of virgin forests, a small intimate Maya site and great swimming.

San Cristobal is a wise choice to use as a base to explore the numerous, spectacular and intimate seldom visited wonders of Chiapas as well as the colonial city itself.

Below, you’ll find businesses and services available in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Resources: Mexonline.com

Share this:

Click on pen to

The Association for the Protection of the Environment and the Marine Turtle in Southern Baja (ASUPMATOMA)is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the endangered sea turtles of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and the overall environmental sustainability of Los Cabos’ beautiful beaches, lands and surrounding communities.
ASUPMATOMA was founded more than 18 years ago by René Pinal, a prominent real estate investor and conservationist in Cabo San Lucas, along with a team of biologists and local residents to address the pressing environmental issues facing Los Cabos.  In particular, the organization is a leading worldwide advocate of the preservation of the endangered sea turtles, which are now at risk of destruction in the Sea of Cortez region due to rapid land development, pollution, and illegal hunting and fishing practices.

For nearly two decades, at Pinal’s Rancho Punta San Cristobal estate, a three-and-a-half-mile stretch of environmentally protected beaches and lands (located along the Pacific Coast of Baja approx. 15 minutes north of Cabo San Lucas), ASUPMATOMA has saved tens of thousands of sea turtles in the wild and hundreds of thousands of baby sea turtle hatchlings along the beaches of Los Cabos.  In addition, Pinal’s natural lands protect more than 17 other species in the area, some which are also endangered.  Learn more about ASUPMATOMA and how you too can make a difference in the environment!

Did you Know?

	The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest, deepest diving, and most migratory, wide ranging of all sea turtles, weighing as much as 2,000 pounds.
	Sea turtles are the last of our world’s ancient reptiles, and have existed for more than 200 million years, even when dinosaurs still roamed the earth.
	Five out of seven of the world’s sea turtle species (all listed as endangered, threatened or vulnerable by international treaty and the U.S. government) inhabit the nutrient-rich waters that surround the Baja California peninsula.
	Each year, throughout the Baja California Peninsula, it is estimated that 35,000 sea turtles are illegally hunted and killed.
	While several million green sea turtles once existed worldwide, today, it is estimated that fewer than 200,000 nesting females remain.  I hope you’ve enjoyed thins information on Marine Turtle in Southern Baja (ASUPMATOMA). Resource: Mexonline.com

Share this:

Click on pen to

The Monarch butterfly, a beautiful insect known for its orange and black markings, is famous for its annual migration to the highland forests of Michoacan,  deep in the heartland of Mexico.

Each year, hundreds of millions of butterflies travel from the United States and Canada, to winter in forests of Fir and Oyamel trees. Those butterflies that survive the journey, which in some cases amounts to a 2,000 mile trip, cluster profusely in trees, creating a marvelous sight.

Near Morelia, the capital of the state, is the Santuario Mariposa Monarca (Mariposa Monarch Sanctuary), a reserve dedicated to protecting their environment. Allocate a day’s travel to reach the sanctuary from the city of Morelia.

Each year, starting in late October to early November, the butterflies start to arrive. Incidentally, this time period coincides with the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday. The indigenous peoples of the area believe the butterflies represent their departed loved ones souls, returning in the form of the butterfly. During the evening hours, the insects gather on tree trunks and branches. After morning arrives and the heat begins to rise, the butterflies begin flocking to the forest floor, creating a tapestry of orange and black as far as the eye can see.

Starting in March, the butterflies begin to mate and the pregnant females start their journey north and the cycle begins again. What is amazing to note is it takes from 4 to 5 generations of butterflies to make the journey from the northern regions to Mexico. Those butterflies that do successfully arrive, actually are the great grand-children so to speak of the journey’s first butterflies.

Weather conditions can adversely affect the butterflies’ journey. In 2002, a devastating storm struck central Mexico, with inundating rain and freezing temperatures proving fatal to large numbers of Monarchs (an estimated 250 million insects perished). Thankfully and perhaps miraculously, the following year, between 200 to 500 million butterflies returned.

However, illegal logging continues in the forests that these butterflies travel to. Without the trees, no miracle can save these wonderful creatures. The local farmers, with their focus on day-to-day survival, cut down the trees unconsciously, to clear the land in order to plant corn and raise livestock. Organizations are in place that work with the farmers, providing education and incentives to dissuade them from cutting down the trees that the Monarch butterflies call home. The hope is that a self-sustaining eco or rural tourism can be developed that allows for the local population to benefit indirectly from this natural wonder.

Note: The greatest present danger comes from outside loggers who illegally harvest timber which is later hauled out using a network of clandestine roads. Since the people involved in the illegal logging are often armed, the local people have found it necessary to ask for federal intervention.

Resource Mexonline.com

Share this:

Click on pen to

The East Cape region of Baja California Sur is an area of pristine coastline that is located on the Sea of Cortez (Gulf of California) and covers approximately 50 miles of natural landscape. The area begins on the coastline just east of La Paz and extends south to the city ofSan Jose del Cabo .

Anglers come to these abundant waters to fish while divers enjoy the clear waters that team with over 800 species of fish. The waters off the East Cape region are justifiably famous in the sports-fishing world. The variety of species coupled with their amazing numbers make this area a true dream for the fisherman. Yellowtail, tuna, marlin, dorado, roosterfish and pompano are just a few examples of the fish that can be found in East Cape waters.

Off the coast of Cabo Pulmo is the Pulmo Reef National Marine Reserve which offers a splendid living coral reef for diving explorations. In fact, this marine park offers the only living reef system in western North America and was designated a national marine park in 1993. Some species of fish within this reserve are found nowhere else in the world. In addition to the variety of rare and beautiful fish, sea turtles, giant mantas and hammerheads can also be seen here. The best time to dive and snorkel in these waters is from March through October when visibility is at its optimum.

Buena Vista, another town found in the East Cape region, is where many fishing and diving excursion trips are launched. Los Barriles is the largest city in the area and windsurfing is very popular here. There is a wind tunnel that travels through the mountains nearby which creates a strong air current over the ocean. From November through April, windsurfers regularly travel 20 miles offshore with these winds and have the ride of their life.

Although the East Cape region of Baja California Sur is only an hour’s drive from Los Cabos , it offers the traveler an altogether different experience. The area is rugged and the environment retains much of its natural landscape with minimal development. Miles upon miles of deserted beaches with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters greet the visitor. Whale watching is a favorite pastime in this region and kayakers also enjoy these waters as the Sea of Cortez offers fine conditions for this sport.

You will find that the East Cape Region has a variety of accommodations to choose from, ranging from camping on the beach to staying at a luxury resort.

Published or Posted by Aetna Jo on February 18, 2011

Share this:

Click on pen to

Templo Mayor - Visiting Mexico City is an exciting proposition, one that promises the traveler many opportunities for adventure. A grand metropolis with one of the world’s largest populations, the city is an international destination for many travelers. Today, Mexico City offers the visitor the chance to explore one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Located in the heart of the city, the Templo Mayor Museum and ruins are a must-see when visiting Mexico. In 1978, a worker digging a city construction project near a downtown cathedral hit something big and hard with his shovel. The object in question was a 500 year old stone sculpture depicting an ancient Aztec goddess. This huge stone sculpture was no ordinary find. An incredible work of art depicting the moon goddess Coyolxauqui, this sculpture was the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Archaeologists were immediately summoned to the site and what was determined next was nothing short of incredible. The scientific community conceded that this magnificent sculpture provided evidence that what lay hidden underneath the streets of modern day Mexico City, was in fact, the ruins of the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan. More astounding yet, the ruins appeared to be those of the capital’s great pyramid, the Templo Mayor.

It has long been known by historians that the Spanish conquistadors, upon seizing control of Tenochtitlan in 1521, destroyed the Aztec city in order to establish their own. Temples were torn down and priceless artworks decimated. Spaniards built atop the structures they had razed, thereby erasing any vestiges of the once great city of Tenochtitlan. These ancient ruins and their mysteries, which are still unfolding, may have forever remained submerged underneath tons of rock and concrete, had it not been for that city worker in 1978.

Mexico was initially hesitant to destroy historic colonial buildings that lay atop these ancient ruins. Nonetheless, the decision was made to do just that. The legend surrounding the founding of Tenochtitlan is one that still lingers in the collective consciousness of Mexico today. Indeed, the country’s flag represents this legend graphically. An eagle is depicted, perched upon a cactus, devouring a snake. This was the sign that the ancient Aztecs sought in determining where to build their temple. According to legend, the Aztecs did encounter such an omen and the construction of Tenochtitlan and its great pyramid, the Templo Mayor soon commenced.

Construction on the temple began in 1390. When it was completed in 1487, in order to commemorate the event, thousands of people were sacrificed over a 4-day period. The temple stood 200 feet tall with dual shrines atop its precipice. One shrine, dedicated to Huitzilopochtli (god of war and sun) stood adjacent to the shrine dedicated to Tlaloc (god of rain and fertility).

Today, when visiting the site, some artifacts remain “in situ”, giving the visitor the opportunity of seeing the objects in their original setting. However, the site’s museum houses the majority of artifacts excavated thus far, approximately 6,000 objects.

	Coyolxauqui

	Templo Mayor showing different stages

	Aztec Warrior

One terrifying discovery, the Wall of Skulls, features panels of real human heads covered with stucco. The museum also showcases two clay statues of Aztec warriors, life-size and resplendent in eagle costumes.

Excavations are ongoing with one currently in progress that promises great rewards. Archaeologists believe they have uncovered nearby the tomb of Emperor Ahuizotl, the ruler of the Aztecs when Columbus landed in the New World and uncle to Montezuma. This would be an extraordinary discovery. To date, a royal burial chamber of an Aztec ruler has yet to be located, mainly due to the customary way in which the Spanish built over existing structures. The invaluable information that would be gleaned from such a discovery would be outstanding and perhaps, even monumental.

Resources: Mexonline.com

Re-Published or Posted by Aetna Jo B on February 13, 2011.

Share this:

Click on pen to

Rufino Tamayo, a Oaxacan painter of international renown, was one of the great modern artists of the 20th century. Tamayo died in 1991 at the age of 91 and had a long and esteemed career. His artwork can be found in important collections worldwide. During his life he was the recipient of many prestigious awards, including France’s Legion d’Honneur.
Tamayo was a prolific artist who was a master of many mediums, including oil, watercolor and lithography. The artist, in addition to producing works on paper and canvas, was also a muralist whose work adorns the walls of museums, universities and libraries throughout the world. Additionally, Tamayo pioneered a new print-making technique known as mixografia with several of his works produced in this medium. This innovative process allows a traditional lithographic print to be created in relief which produces fine surface detail as well as volume. In his later years, Tamayo added sculpture to his artistic repertoire, utilizing his own paintings as a source of inspiration for subject matter.

Rufino Tamayo was a contemporary of fellow Mexican artists Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Unlike these muralists, however, whose work held strong political commentary, Tamayo eschewed this path and forged his own. The subject matter found in his work is apolitical and purposefully so.

Although his work is embedded with distinctly Mexican roots, both in color and in subject, Tamayo’s art is ultimately a response to universal and not temporal matters. Tamayo’s lack of enthusiasm for political commentary was not appreciated by Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros who firmly prescribed that important art had to address the societal injustices of the day. Finding his work criticized in Mexico, Tamayo left the country to live for extended periods in both the United States and France. This decision proved beneficial for Tamayo who created many of his important works abroad.

Born in Oaxaca to parents of Zapotecan Indian ancestry, Tamayo’s cultural heritage is evident in his artwork. Orphaned at a young age, Tamayo was sent to live with his aunt in Mexico City. The young artist worked as a vendor at his aunt’s fruit stand, helping her sell produce. The bright and beautiful colors of the tropical fruit has been credited as influencing the artist’s future palette. This experience also provided the catalyst for a favorite motif of Tamayo’s, namely the watermelon, which is depicted in many of his works. As a young man, Tamayo attended the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, San Carlos, in Mexico City but left before graduating to pursue his studies independently.

After leaving school, Tamayo accepted a position at the Mexican Archaeological Museum. This proved to be a pivotal turning-point for the artist. At this museum, Tamayo was responsible for copying copious amounts of pre-Columbian artifacts by hand. This activity enormously influenced his future work. Through this process, Tamayo became intimately acquainted with the artwork of his ancestors which in turn, greatly shaped his artistic vision and expression. Additionally, Tamayo was also inspired by European modern art movements, especially the work of the Cubists and also that of the Surrealists.

Throughout his life, Tamayo and his wife amassed a wonderful collection of pre-Columbian treasures which today reside in the Museo Rufino Tamayo Art Museum, located in his home state of Oaxaca. Additionally, works of Tamayo and other modern masters, can be found in the Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum in Mexico City. This collection, which Tamayo and his wife orchestrated, was generously donated by the couple to the people of Mexico.

	Watermelows

	Rufino Tamayo

	Tres Personajes

Recently, an amazing story unfolded concerning one of Tamayo’s famous works. The painting, entitled Tres Personajes went on a mysterious adventure after being sold for $55,000 to a patron in the 1970′s. During a move in the 1980′s, the piece disappeared from a storage locker. It was not seen again until 2003 when it was spotted in an alleyway in New York. The large brightly colored canvas was placed outside with the trash, placed between two large dumpsters. A woman, who was on her morning walk came across the painting. Initially, she was reluctant to bring the painting back to her small apartment due to its size. However, there was something about the painting that spoke to her. The woman fortunately listened to her intuition and it was a good thing she did. The painting recently sold for over $1,000,000 at auction. The woman enjoyed a reward of $15,000 from the painting’s owner plus a finder’s fee from the auction house.

Considering the quality and mastery of Tamayo’s paintings, it is easy to understand why the woman was compelled to retrieve the painting from its incongruent surroundings. Tamayo’s paintings actually glow from within. The artist had a command of color that was sublime and his subject matter transcends individual commentary. Perhaps the following quote from Octavio Paz, the Mexican poet and Nobel laureate, sums up the work of Rufino Tamayo best- “If I could express with a single word what it is that distinguishes Tamayo from other painters, I would say, without a moment’s hesitation: sun. For the sun is in all his pictures, whether we see it or not: night itself is for Tamayo simply a sun carbonized”.

Resources: Mexonline.com

Posted on February 7, 2011 by AetnaJo B.

Share this:

Click on pen to

Aguascalientes is a beautiful colonial city in north central Mexico. Located in the state of Aguascalientes, this historic city was founded in the year 1575. The name Aguascalientes means “Hot Waters” and both the city and state were so named due to the abundance of naturally occurring thermal mineral springs in the area. Originally, the Spanish strategically chose the city of Aguascalientes to establish a much needed outpost to guard against hostile Chichimec Indians who resided in the area. As time went by, the city proved to be an ideal strategic transportation link between between Mexico City and the silver mines of Zacatecas.

There is a lot to see and do while visiting Aguascalientes. Sightseeing activities include viewing the lovingly restored colonial-era buildings located downtown that are situated around the Plaza de la Patria square. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these, the Palacio de Gobierno, features pink stone walls, a handsome central courtyard and murals painted by a disciple of 

Mexican Revolution of 1910.

The Aguascalientes Museum has a fine collection of 20th-century art including the works of Saturnino Herran. The artist, born in Aguacalientes, had a style similar to art nouveau. His subject matter included portraits of the everyday citizen. These well executed and beautiful paintings were painted with a high degree of sensitivity towards his subjects.

One of the best spas to visit while in Aquascalientes is the Centro Deportivo Ojo Caliente. Located on the east side of town, this spa features thermal pools with a variety of temperatures to choose from. Additionally, saunas and steam baths are available as are squash and tennis courts.

Aguascalientes is a prosperous industrial city that contributes greatly to Mexico’s manufacturing output. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico and makes a nice stop for those traveling betweenGuadalajara and the state of Zacatecas.

Share this:

Click on pen to