Maria Jimenez: Spring Squirrel WoodcarvingLovely squirrel by Mara Jimnez, one of Oaxaca's most celebrated painters and a master of the floral style that has inspired generations of woodcarving artists in San Martn Tilcajete. Mara is known for her extraordinary ability to cover every surface of a carving in densely packed flowers without the composition ever feeling crowded and this squirrel is a beautiful example of that gift. The carving is lively and low to the ground, tail curling upward,

long forelegs straight beneath a deep chest

Gaspar Calvo Fabián is from San Martín Tilcajete

The cords are detachable

and reds—each with its own pattern

and tiny sneakers

What a lovely

This stunning one-piece chameleon sculpture is the creation of Isabel Fabian

Oaxaca artist Nicolas Morales created this gorgeous dog wood sculpture

and removable black mask with vibrant green eyes and goat-like horns give it a captivating presence

pound it and in this case

and radiating motifs gives the turtle a strong ceremonial presence

A wonderful piece from one of the great masters of the tradition