Not that everyone finds every other person’s creation beautiful. However, someone will find something admirable in any creative endeavour – even if it is only the creator. Can’t you imagine ancient tribe members pointing their fingers and laughing at the village fool who was inscribing pictures of animals and stickmen into the rocks of their cave? They were making their surroundings more attractive and in so doing left a legacy of art and a peek into the history of their lives. So it was on a recent trip to Mexico and a short working holiday. We were able to view art forms admired by some and dismissed by others. There was so much to see and so little time! However, we gave it our best and we did get to see a lot. The beadwork put together by the Mayan Indians is just amazing. Not just the intricacy and colour combinations of their work but the speed at which beads are placed in perfect symmetry on the beeswax flux. Some see this art form as gaudy but that is just in the eye of the beholder. How can one not appreciate the skill and beauty inherent in the craft? The Cotton Weavers of Chiapas on their hand-operated looms create the most gorgeous cotton tablecloths in the most fantastic combinations of colour and pattern. One even comes close to replicating the Macintosh tartan. This could only be done in Scotland you say? Could anyone really have cornered the market on creatively weaving a pattern and coming up with an almost certain copy of something created by another artist in a completely separate and distinct society?  Then there is the practical as well as colourful pottery and glasswork. It is said that “a bowl is a bowl is a bowl”. But how many ways have we seen these vessels created, manipulated and decorated? Have the Mexicans cornered the creativity market on the use of bright colours situated in stark contrast to other colours in close proximity one to the other? It is the differing forms and stark colour combinations that make the pottery and glasswork so attractive. The speed and digital agility as fingers and stone come together working raw tobacco into a commercially acceptable cigar.

Cuban cigars you say? We say Cuban tobacco worked by Mexican hands and a few knockoff cigar bands make for a great appearance and appeal. At 7 to 10 dollars for each creation a healthy profit can be made. They look and taste the same so why not indulge the cigar fantasy? Artists and creators of all form and media abound in Mexico and the tourist market is well served by the plethora of methods available to be able to enjoy them. So when in Mexico take time away from the sun to enjoy the art and culture of a beautiful neighbouring society.