Teodora Blanco, one of the most creative and vital folk artists in
Mexico, died in 1981, leaving behind a history of unique inventions
that set her apart from other potters in Santa Maria Atzompa. Her
parents were successful farmers. Although they were also traditional
potters, it was not necessary to push Teodora into commercial
pottery. As a child she visited archeological museums in Oaxaca and
was inspired by animal and figural ceramics. Her innovations began
as a teenager, when she formed animal musicians. She then started
attaching wings and tail to pitcher whose spouts became animal
heads. If she was working on a traditional shape, she would always
add animal appendages. In her late 20s her legendary figures of
women. Her figures constantly evolved and changed. As she
experimented with various combinations of women, animals, and
mythical creatures. Beasts poked out of abdomens, breasts became
animal heads, and animals and babies tugged at shoulder and skirts.
Teodora's impulse for surface adornment was intense, and by the late
1970's her figures were covered with appliquéd coils, animals
emerging from the bodies, and arms typically engaged in holding or
carrying children, animals, or market baskets. In spite of all this
sculptural abandon, her women are always dignified and elegant. For
Teodora, the only reason to live was to make pottery. Famed
collector Nelson Rockefeller was truly captivated by her artistic
energy, humor, and dedication to her personal vision. His collection
now resides at the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Mexican Museum
in San Francisco.* Her children, Irma and Luis, continue her
tradition as does her grandson Luis. Her signature style is of
fired, unglazed earthenware with baroque surface decoration.
*From Folk Treasures of Mexico: The Nelson A. Rockefeller
Collection by Marion Oettinger, Jr. ©1990; ISBN:0-8109-1182-5
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