art produced by artisans and handicraft artists - is a colorful and rich heritage as well as a reflection of Mexican people. Starting out as a primitive art-form and dating from the Indian cultures of the past, it has become sophisticated in terms of execution and its visual impact. Touching and seeing these art forms gives great pleasure to the collector. These artists, with their deft hands, have created magic with their imagination and individual skills. Their aim is to create what is refined, beautiful and bursting with color. The diversity and broad variety of the objects created is a tribute to the Mexican culture, visually representing the country's collective feeling, its goals and place in the world. Texture and color have dominated the artisans' interests since the pre-Hispanic days until today. Sculpture, baskets, tapestries, toys, jewelery, masks, furniture, textiles - all made from basic elements like metal, glass and wood - are creations which are not only meant to please the eye, but are also meant to be useful and fulfill a specific function. Decoration, because of the creations' unique design and color, is an important aspect of the artisans' raison d'etre. Mexico is a land of the creatively inspired, where all kinds of materials can be readily transformed into something which is of beauty and of special use in the home or perhaps in the garden. There are a number of artistic centers of major importance in Mexico and the descriptions which follow are but a handful of those: Mexico DF (Distrito Federal) This is the capital of Mexico's art scene and showcases some of the best handicrafts and artisans. All 31 states within Mexico are represented in the capital, where artisans of past cultural history work hand-in-hand with their modern contemporaries. The modern city itself is a direct inspiration for the skilful artist who works primarily with his or her hands in creating artifacts. Distinctive images, rich in tradition are created by ingenious Mexicans with immense patience, portraying a pride in their past origins. Paper is perhaps the most representative of the mediums used here, from the very simple objects to the most complicated creations. Jalisco Jalisco is one of the most important centers of creative activity. In term of ceramics, Tlaquepage and tanola have received international recognition for quality. Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco produces the most elaborate, colorful and best quality ceramics. San Juan de los Lagos San Juan de los Lagos is famous for textiles and intricate embroidering of clothes, tablecloths and other items made from fine materials in bright colors and patterns. Metal objects and decorations are unique to the region. In most creations, a white background is traditionally treated with blue, and the themes stem from Europe to Asia. Others In Izucar de Matamoros are found the metal chandeliers whose workmanship is truly outstanding and effect dramatic. Teezuitian and Cueetzatan stand out in their production of typical and traditional textile and embroideries while Michoacan shines in its output of copper items and woodwork. Speaking of woodwork, studios that create the wooden masks worn in Mexico's fascinating cultural dances are found in Ahuehuepan while lacquered wooden bowls of all sizes and designs are found in Quiroga. Luxurious and high-quality furniture of every style is created in places such as Quiroga, Apatzingan, Cuanajo and Patzcuaro, while Hidalgo offers a variety of hand-made objects include kitchenware made of wood and metal, unique calendars and paperweights made from wood and leather, ashtrays, ceramics reflecting regional festivals, hats, umbrellas, furniture and tiles for those on a budget. Aguas Calientes also produces a broad variety of such items. Ceramic plates in a variety of sizes, designs and colors are the specialty of this region.
