ARTCERA Wax Figures
| Sisters of the Augustinian Order brought the art of wax figures to Mexico during the Colonial Period. The tradition is carried on by several people, including the internationally recognized and award-winning mother and daughter team who make up Artcera. | |||
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An original is modeled from clay, then a plaster or silicon mold is prepared. A mixture of bees wax, paraffin, zinc, and pigment is heated and mixed together, then the warm mixture is cast into the molds. Wires are inserted if the limb needs to be bent. |
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| Clothed figures have a wooden torso. | Elvira cleans the seams off a wax limb. |
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The figure is dressed, then the inside of the robe is painted with paste to stiffen the cloth. |
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A hole is drilled for the arm wire, the arm is stuck on, the sleeve is slipped onto the arm, then the sleeve is sewn onto the robe. |
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Elvira sculpts the hair after the figure has been dressed. |
Elvira's mother with a finished figure. |
For more information, please contact Artcera (in English
or Spanish) at: Lic. Elvira Rodriguez Arredondo |
GUANAJUATO LINKS:
Ceramist, Capelo
Ceramist, Angelica Escarcega Rodriguez
Ceramist, José Luis Méndez Ortega
Guevara Ceramics
Tecpatl Ceramics
Cane baskets
Jeweler, Francisco Garcia Guevara
Tinsmithing
Betancourt Icons of Celaya, Guanajuato
Gobelin tapestry weaving in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato
Ikat foot-loom woven shawls of Moroleon and Uriangato, Guanajuato
Papermaker, Margarita Orozco Ramirez, of San Miguel, Guanajuato
Wood carver, Fernando Giron Pantoja, of Apaseo el Alto, Guanajuato
Web page, photographs, and text by Carol Ventura in 2001.
Please look at Carol's home page to
see more about crafts around the world.
