María Jiménez.

María Jiménez is best known for the unique acrylic painting she decorates wooden alebrijes with. Early in life, María and her brothers learned woodworking from their father, who used the craft to make toys and farming tools. Today the siblings collaborate in a workshop in Oaxaca, where María’s focus is painting their animal carvings. Examples of her work include rabbits, turtles, dogs, pigs, and angels, all intricately painted with delicate floral and butterfly motifs. María balances her artistic craft with farming, labor that connects her to nature and provides much of her creative inspiration. It was at age 28 that María identified herself as an artisan, a title she has justified through winning statewide accolades and showcasing pieces in both Mexico and the United States.

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