Sun, 'Eclipse' (large)

Images of the past are immortalized through the fine ceramic work of Georgina Cabrera as she exults the art, symbols and beliefs of Mexico's great pre-Hispanic heritage. Eclipses were greatly feared by the Aztecs - it was believed that great Tzitzimime or monsters would descend upon earth and cause great havoc. A sun eclipse was referred to as Tonatiuh quallo, "the Sun is eaten, " and people would come out screaming and shouting and sacrificing their own limbs and ears. Metztli quallo means the "the Moon is eaten, " and this eclipse was believed to affect pregnant women so a piece of obsidian would be placed in her mouth or belly for protection. Cabrera blends her artistic intuition with traditional beliefs and this ceramic eclipse evidences her remarkable talent. Based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Cabrera works with a special clay sent to her by her relatives from her natal Otumba. The clay comprises of three different types of clay blended with plumilla (the flower from reeds along the local riverbanks). Once the clay has taken form, it is left to dry in the sun for up to five days before baking at 450� C approximately. Finally, Cabrera uses acrylics to hand-paint the piece, providing the adequate accents for the viewer to appreciate the impressive symbols of a long admired civilization. A proud Cabrera states: "I love to transmit my ideas through my products for people to get to know my work."