Crafting Tradition: The Art of Papel Picado
In the bustling town of San Salvador Huixcolotla, Mexico, Blanka Amezkua embarked on a journey to learn the ancient art of papel picado, intricately cut tissue-paper banners that adorn Mexican celebrations. Little did she know that she would stumble upon a master craftsman, Don Rene Mendoza, who would pass on the centuries-old techniques to her.
Papel picado, which translates to “punched paper” in Spanish, has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times when Indigenous Nahuatl people crafted amate paper from tree bark. Over the years, the art form evolved, blending Indigenous traditions with Spanish influences to create the delicate paper flags used in Mexican cultural celebrations, most notably Day of the Dead.
For Amezkua, who grew up in Mexico and later moved to California, papel picado holds a special place in her heart. Inspired by the vibrant colors and cultural significance of the banners, she began incorporating them into her artwork, creating stunning pieces that reflect her heritage and love for repurposed materials.
Her dedication to preserving the craft led her to San Salvador Huixcolotla, where she learned the hammer and chisel techniques from Mendoza, a seasoned artisan with over 30 years of experience. Together, they continue to collaborate on projects that honor the tradition of papel picado, showcasing its beauty and intricacy.
Despite the labor-intensive process of creating papel picado, Amezkua finds solace in the meditative nature of the craft. Each cut, each design, carries with it a sense of history and tradition that she is proud to uphold. Through workshops and collaborations, she ensures that the art of papel picado lives on, passing down the legacy to future generations.
As she delicately separates the lacy flags and watches them dance in the sunlight, Amezkua is reminded of the ephemeral nature of life and the enduring power of art. Papel picado may fade away with time, but its legacy remains, a testament to the skill and dedication of craftspeople like Amezkua and Mendoza.
In a world where mass production often overshadows traditional crafts, Amezkua’s passion for papel picado serves as a reminder of the beauty and significance of handmade art. As she continues to create and collaborate, she honors the men and women who came before her, weaving a colorful thread of tradition that connects past, present, and future.
