Mexican Artisan Keeps Cartonera Tradition Alive

Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico – A video interview with Mario Tierra Blanca, a fourth-generation cartoneria artisan, has brought renewed attention to this traditional Mexican craft. Cartonera, the art of creating figures and masks from cardboard and paper mache, is a centuries-old tradition in Celaya. Mario, who has been practicing this craft his entire life, describes the process: "To make a mask like this, you have to design it. It takes about three or four days." He explains that his family has been using acrylic paints in recent years, a shift from the previously used anilines. The video shows the vibrant colors and intricate detail of the finished products, and Mario's pride in his heritage is evident. He mentions his Facebook page, Cartonera La Calavera, for those interested in learning more. This video offers a fascinating look at a living tradition and the dedication of artisans like Mario Tierra Blanca.