Margarito Melchor.

The Melchor family are considered pioneers of Oaxacan wood carving, with three generations each developing unique artistic styles. Margarito’s father in particular was known for his carvings of cats. This heritage can be traced further back still, with early ancestors being artisans who used their abilities to create essential agricultural tools like plows and yokes. Margarito was intrigued by the craft when he found that rather than specialized tools, common farming implements could be used to perform the act of carving itself. This simplicity is echoed through Margarito’s work, which depicts familiar scenes from his daily life. His subjects include people in his community, such as farmers and tortilla makers, as well as animals found around the house. Margarito was the first director of FONART, Mexico’s national art fund, and has exhibited his art around the world since the 1960s.
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