Collectors of the Bright almost Primary Color spectrum, found in the Tradition Metepec Ceamic Folk Art are a passionate Bunch. We tend to fall for it's almost childlike, Circus fun. Colors that would not only fit nicely in any Mid Mod or Boho decor, but Traditional Mexican as well. The older pieces tend to fade and deteriote with age. Sun fades the aniline dyes, time tarnishes the metalic gold Paint and moisture in the air breaks down the surface. To find Vintage Pieces in Bright Colors is a blessing, as they where most likely collected in a dry, direct sunlight- free enviornment. Here at Arte, we have a rather Large Metepec Collection new to the shop floor.
As Mexican Folklore would have it, The famous story is Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo discovered a certain Modesta Fernádez de Soteno at a Market in Toluca selling Clay figures and animals, naively made and Painted. Smitten with her work. Diego later visited the workshop, gave her pointers on color and paint and as they say...the rest of the tale is history. Overnight, Metepec changed and the whole town turned from not only a utilitarian pottery industry, but a Folk Art one as well. Later Arbols would be made and the Metepec Tradition would grown into the frontrunner of the Arbol de la Vida/Tree of Life tradition in all of Mexico. Many pieces so elaborately sculpted and painted that they transend the label of 'Folk Art' and could easily be considered 'Fine Art'.
Our collection at Arte de la Vida not only focuses on the Brightly Painted pieces, but the glazed and acrylic painted ones as well. Pieces so charming they not only enhance a collection or ensemble , but define it as well.