Magical Cactus, 2018
by Claudio Ojeda Morales and Teresa Gonzalez Marin
Arrazola, Oaxaca, Mexico
copal wood, pigment
48” high x 32” wide x 28” deep
Oaxacan master carver Claudio Ojeda Morales, in collaboration with his wife Teresa Gonzalez Marin, create wood-carved figures distinguished by their extraordinary detail and texture. Claudio is a highly articulate man who uses his art to delve into the philosophical and sensual dimensions of his inner world.
Claudio does the carving and Teresa does the painting, which is considered as integral to their artistry as the carving. They both regard Teresa’s special techniques as an inheritance to be passed along to their two sons. The couple’s single figures include jaguars, armadillos, nahuales (figures combining human and animal features), peacocks, toucans, parrots, and iguanas.
This extraordinary Cactus carving was created in 2018 for a solo exhibition at Galeria Atotonilco, one of the premier galleries of museum quality folk art located in Atotonilco, Mexico. The technical quality of the carving and painting makes this one of the couples finest creations. The cactus is teaming with life including cactus flowers, frogs, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The crowning jewel is the majestic and resplendent Quetzal with its plumage on full display.
