sea decor

A rotund fish with big eyes swims sinuously in cool rivers. Colorful motifs from Zapotec art and ancient temples cover the body and fins. By Manuel Cruz, this is a beautiful example of Mexico's alebrije art. The image is carved by hand of copal wood in the style of Oaxaca and meticulously painted by hand with tiny brushes. The finer details are created using a maguey thorn instead of a brush.

The alebrije tradition originated with Mexico City artisan Pedro Linares (1906-1992). When he was 30, he became ill and fell into a coma. While he was unconscious, he dreamed he was caught between the land of the living and the dead, a place populated with creatures whose body parts belonged to different animals. The beings repeatedly cried, "Alebrije!" When he was well, Linares recreated these fanciful figures in papier mache. His work became famous and inspired artisans in the state of Oaxaca, who began crafting alebrijes of wood.

The wood branch dictates the final form, thus size and shapes can vary slightly. Thus, each alebrije is an authentic work of Mexican folk art.

This gorgeous hammock swing is the perfect spot to bask on warm afternoons. The Maya Artists of Yucatan collective hand-weave it from 100% cotton rope in deep navy blue, and add a long braided fringe for a dramatic look. Ropes, wooden rod, and hammock hooks are provided for easy installation.

Hammocks have been used by Mayan peoples since pre-Hispanic times. The Maya Artists of the Yucatan collective seeks to keep this ancient art alive by providing its members with training, access to new materials and techniques, and financial support.

Exploring the depths of surrealism, Marina Pallares depicts a man cycling on a velocipede in front of huge waves. As he moves forward he reveals the presence of fish, a stingray, starfish, a turtle, an octopus and other marine creatures that seem to swim toward the heavens.

Titled "De frente a la ola" in Spanish.

Kick back and relax with your favorite book or a cold drink in this gorgeous hammock swing. The Maya Artists of Yucatan collective hand-weave it from cotton rope in a rich teal color, and add a beautiful tasseled fringe for a very glamorous finish. Ropes, wooden rod, and hammock hooks are provided for easy installation.

Hammocks have been used by Mayan peoples since pre-Hispanic times. The Maya Artists of the Yucatan collective seeks to keep this ancient art alive by providing its members with training, access to new materials and techniques, and financial support.

Kick back and relax with your favorite book or a cold drink in this gorgeous hammock swing. The Maya Artists of Yucatan collective hand-weave it from cotton rope in a rich wine tone, and add a beautiful tasseled fringe for a very glamorous finish. Ropes, wooden rod, and hammock hooks are provided for easy installation.

Hammocks have been used by Mayan peoples since pre-Hispanic times. The Maya Artists of the Yucatan collective seeks to keep this ancient art alive by providing its members with training, access to new materials and techniques, and financial support.

Wonderfully realistic, a semi truck comes to life as Armando Ramírez recycles castoff cycle parts and discarded bits of metal. Sheet metal becomes the sturdy bumper and production chains, the grille. A refrigerator motor provides the cab, while timing chains and a motorcycle traction piece become seats. Wire, screws and die-cut scraps all ingeniously fulfill distinct roles.

Ramírez does not give his sculptures a fine polished finish, therefore smudges and scratches may be present.