Isabel Castillo
Ceramic
Sculptor
Izucar
de
Matamoros,
Puebla,
Mexico
Isabel
Castillo
was
born
in
Izucar
de
Matamoros,
Puebla,
in
central
Mexico.
The
tree
of
life
and
other
figures
she
creates
are
inspired
by
five
generations
of
artisans
in
her
family.
Isabel
learned
her
art
form
from
her
mother
and
grandmother;
the
latter
lived
to
be
115
years
old.
The
animal
and
cactus
candleholders
in
their
bright
and
shiny
colors
are
everyone's
favorites.
She
will
be
traveling
to
the
United
States
with
her daughter Lourdes Mercado de Camacho,
an
award
winning
ceramic
artist
as
well
as
a
high
school
teacher
in
their
local
school.
Their
ceramic
sculptures
have
been
featured
in
national
contests.
The
Castillo
family
was
awarded
1st
prize
for
polychrome
ceramic
sculpture
by
FONART,
Mexico's
national
folk
art
foundation.
Both
of
these
artists
have
been
selected
based
on
their
artistic
achievements
and
their
ability
to
communicate
their
unique
creative
vision
passed
down
from
preceding
generations.
It
is
hoped
that
they
will
spark
the
imaginations
of
students
and
generate
enthusiastic
workshops
involving
sculpture
and
design
projects.
This
will
surely
add
a
new
component
to
the
visiting
artist
program.
Not
only
will
American
students
be
exposed
to
Mexican
culture
but
undoubtedly
Rudolfo's
own
students
will
learn
from
his
experience
in
American
schools.
TREE
OF
LIFE
(arbol de la vida)
The
tree
of
life
is
more
than
a
decorative
object,
it's
symbolism
and
function
blend
European
and
Indigenous
Mexican
culture.
Throughout
history
trees
have
served
as
symbols
of
fertility
and
rebirth.
The
candelabras
in
the
shape
of
trees
did
not
appear
in
Mexico
until
after
the
Spanish
conquest.
Traditionally
the
decoration
of
the
trees
refer
to
the
story
of
the
Creation,
the
Nativity
or
the 
Resurrection,
but
imaginative
artists
constantly
invent
new
subject
matter.
With
endless
humor
and
color,
the
trees,
portray
life
in
a
joyful,
whimsical
way
that
has
universal
appeal.
home l menus l locations l full moon l events calendar l education outreach l company l employment l email us
©2002 Margaritas Management Group. All rights reserved.