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Ceramica Mara Mexican Pottery Stoneware Dreamcatcher Mandala Feathers Coffee Mug Cup
Who can resist this mystical dreamcatcher coffee mug designed by Mara? Mara with her artistic talent captures American Indian mythology on this 12 ounce stoneware mug. This hand finished mug measures 4 inches tall by 3 inches in diameter and weighs a substantial 20 ounces. The mug is clean with no damage and appears to be unused.
In some Native American and First Nations cultures, a Dreamcatcher is a handmade willow hoop, on which is woven a net or web. The Dreamcatcher may also include sacred items such as certain feathers or beads. Traditionally they are often hung over a cradle as protection. It originates in Ojibwe culture as the "spider web charm" or "dream snare", a hoop with woven string or sinew meant to replicate a spider's web, used as a protective charm for infants. Dreamcatchers were adopted in the Pan-Indian Movement of the 1960's and 1970's and gained popularity as a widely marketed "Native crafts items" in the 1980's. Mara was an accomplished painter, sculptor and ceramicist who studied engraving with the famous artist, Alfredo Zalce. After studying art in London, she began working with high-temperature ceramics and created wonderfully unique glazes for her pieces. She then went on to study with the Italian ceramist, Bruno Terese, in Italy. Mara had numerous expositions of her original stoneware pieces in Europe, the United States and Mexico. Ceramics is no easy medium for precise drawings, and yet Mara mastered her technique with brush and stylus and has been able to portray her life experiences with unrivaled naturalness, developing a fine sensibility in schematic and precise line drawings. Her universe is on parade in all of her stoneware pieces. Flowers, animals, birds, and geometric designs all represent her personal vision and display her unique perceptions of the world. Mara passed away in November of 2007. Ceramica Mara has
always been an extended family operation and production of her fine works continues. Mara's husband, children, and loyal apprentices were responsible production which left Mara free to pursue travels and bring her creative vision to fruition in numerous original works of art. Her husband Mariano, an architect, artist and Ceramica Mara business manager, is passionate about continuing Mara's legacy. Her daughter Alexandra, artist and history professor, has also stepped in to help the family make a seamless transition in the continuation of the fine production of Ceramica Mara. Mara was a very prolific artist and, while her current designs are still in production, she left numerous un-introduced designs to be presented in the future. Alexandra, carrying on her mother's fine tradition, has also been creating ceramic designs
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