Maria F. Jimenez Ojeda is an artisan experienced in the traditional Oaxaqueño craft of “los alebrijes,” or intricately-painted wooden animals. Maria carves each piece by hand and then uses her colorful acrylics to paint incredibly delicate designs onto the figures. Her projects include giraffes, turtles, rabbits, and other animals, along with figures of angels and virgins.
Maria’s work comes from the heritage of her ancestors. She learned the art of wood work from her father, who worked on a farm and used to make tools and toys from the available wood. “I enjoy my work and I feel satisfied when my clients enjoy it as well,” she says.
Maria sells her wooden figurines from her home in the nearby pueblo of San Martín Tilcajete, Galéria Maestros, and Nawal in Oaxaca City. At all three locations, the beautifully-detailed, colorful pieces are certain to draw acknowledgement toward the skill and expertise that Maria implements into each of her crafts.
