Novica Handmade Lotus Axolotl Wood Alebrije Figurine

The exotic axolotl, sometimes called the 'Mexican walking fish', is rendered yet more exotic by being reproduced as an alebrije sitting in a lotus position. Teresita Gonzalez of Mexico carves the creature from copal wood, and paints it masterfully by hand in myriad brilliant colors. Alebrijes are a form of Mexican folk art, generally crafted of wood or papier mache. They commonly depict mythical or fantastical creatures, and are painted with colorful patterns. Product Features: Dimension: 4.3" H x 2.4"" W x 4.3"" D Weight: 0.09 Color: Pink Material: Copal wood Made in Mexico Story Behind the art: Latest Update My journey in Mexican handicrafts began when I started working with copal wood as a way of therapy to relieve my cancer. I struggled with my inner demons and it was a very difficult time. It was thanks to the alebrijes that I started to come alive again. I understood that my mission is to preserve this art that saved my life. It is something that gives me life, and sharing it with others gives me the assurance of what my mission in life is. Besides sharing my crafts, I've been able to help other people with this same condition. And through UNICEF, we have supported causes in favor of children that fill me with pride and encouragement. When I overcame cancer I said, 'with my crafts I want to help other people with the same situation.' If Novica supports children with cancer, I want to belong to those artisans. It is now a beautiful reality, since you gave me the opportunity to give life to little ones from a hostel in Guadalajara. It was very beautiful to offer them support and hope. They have recognized me locally at the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art. And I have received honorable mentions. My work has taken me farther than I ever thought. Original Artisan Story I was born in 1965 to a large family in Oaxaca. I am one of 12 children and I enjoy the peace of the ranch where I was born. My life has been filled with emotions and I paint for love and necessity, for self-improvement and with clear goals. I achieved this goal even when many doubted me. My childhood was different and somewhat difficult. When we were seven years old, my father began teaching us how to work. He grew coffee trees, and we'd get up at 1 a.m. to cook and make tortillas. Despite that, I enjoyed the company of my family. Since I was very young, I've focused my time on work, but this wasn't enough for me. I wanted to meet new people in different places. One day, while observing my father's face, I noticed that he seemed to worry constantly about covering our family's expenses. I felt powerless not being able to change that. I didn't want my father to live with this anxiety so, when I was 12 years old, I dropped out of school and decided to leave the ranch. I went to Mexico City to find work. I wanted to help my family because I wanted the best for them. I began helping a woman with housework and she paid me with food. Then, I worked as a baker and found odd jobs to earn money so I'd no longer be a burden to my father. The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen. Imported"