At Galeria Izamal: Jewelry Made From the Unusual

Concrete and Sterling Earrings by Maria Bracho

By Henry Vermillion

There is a pair of turquoise-colored earrings in jewelry designer Maria Bracho’s display at Galeria Izamal. A curve of silver bisects their round center—simple but elegant.

But surprise! The turquoise center is made of concrete. Other of her handsome pieces are made of unexpected materials like iron, painted fabric, steel, or vitreous enamel.

Bracho has just been awarded a prestigious Jóvenes Creadores (Young Creators) grant from Mexico’s National Fund for the Arts and Culture for jewelry designers to continue exploring unusual materials. A public cocktail opening of her recent work will be held Saturday, March 24, from 6–8pm at Galeria Izamal, Mesones 80.

Bracho has been a member of the art cooperative since 2000. She currently lives, works, and teaches in the historic old town of Tepoztlan, Morelos.

“I’ve always had a love of trying new materials and mastering new techniques, and most of the things I´ve developed I’ve taught myself through trial and error,” she says.

One of her newest directions are small vitreous enameled pieces on silver, copper, and steel, some with graphite drawings, which are framed under glass and are designed to be hung on walls.

The work of Izamal artists, Juan Ezcurdia, Leslie Jakobovits, Roberto López Fuentevilla, Cissy Smith Marks, Bill Morrow, Henry Vermillion, Crystal Victoria, and Britt Zaist can also currently be seen at the gallery.

 

Art

Work from Maria Bracho

Sat, Mar 24, 6–8pm

Galeria Izamal, Mesones 8

galeriaizamal.com