Mexican Sunrises

Since I was 16, I have been in love with Mexican art.I had been unwell for 6 months and this bright, vibrant art from across the Atlantic was one of the catalysts for my recovery. The positivity I was starting to again feel shone through in the drawings I diligently sketched and I pored over books on this varied country and the art it had produced over the centuries. I ended up making a large mirrored mosaic - a Mexican sunrise, that I have kept to this day to remind me of however bad life maybe at that time, it can and will get better.  

10 years later, I am still fascinated by the art, culture and traditions of Mexico. 

The Mexican Sunrise Plate. 

 The sun is a recurring theme in the art of Mexico. From early cave drawings to the Aztec Stone of the Sun, known in Spanish as Piedra del Sol. In modern times the image has become a symbol of national identity to the Mexican people and continues to recur in folk art. I wanted to capture what this image has meant to me and to use it as a symbol of how I have overcome so many obstacles in my young life. I decided to carry on my theme of painting onto porcelain plates and so designed my Mexican Sunrise dinner plate. 

Floral, vivid patterns are also synonymous with Mexican art. Found on textiles, clothing and mosaics I have always found them pleasing to the eye. I wanted to create a floral design that was modern and again held some significance to me. I decided upon an English rose design, but painted in a traditional Mexican style, creating the Fiery English Rose plate. My family often referred to me as an 'English Rose' as a child and I am known for my passionate and somewhat fiery personality!  

The Fiery English Rose Plate. 

I am hoping to add to this theme in my Etsy shop and introduce some sugar skull and Day of the Dead designs soon. You can find these designs and more at www.etsy.com/shop/KatieNeko