{"product_id":"isabel-fabian-masterpiece-opossum-baby-alebrije","title":"Isabel Fabian: Masterpiece Opossum \u0026 Baby Alebrije","description":"\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003espectacular\u003c\/strong\u003e mother-and-baby\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e opossum alebrije by Isabel Fabian\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is one of those pieces that gets more impressive the longer you look. The mother crouches low with her head turned toward us, while her baby clings naturally to her back. Behind them, the long tail rises in a dramatic curve and curls tightly at the tip, giving the entire sculpture a beautiful sense of movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eThe carving is especially remarkable because this is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eone-piece woodcarving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with the mother, baby, and sweeping tail conceived as a single sculptural composition rather than assembled from removable parts. The baby is beautifully integrated into the curve of the mother’s back, its tiny paws gripping her fur, while the mother’s broad body and powerful legs give the piece a wonderfully grounded presence.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of the sculpture's most fascinating aspects is how many different \"views\" it offers. From the front, the mother’s expressive face dominates. From the side, the baby becomes more prominent, nestled against the sweeping curve of her body. From the back, the long spiraling tail takes over the composition, while other angles reveal entirely different arrangements of pattern, form, and movement. It is a piece that really asks to be seen in the round.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsabel’s painting is exquisite.\u003c\/strong\u003e She works with a sophisticated palette of cream, black, burgundy, soft coral, lavender, and muted purple, covering almost every surface with extraordinarily precise geometric ornament. Concentric circles radiate across the haunches, tiny spirals fill dark fields, and bands of triangles, Greek-key motifs, diamonds, dots, and feather-like forms follow the carving's contours. Some areas create an almost three-dimensional optical effect, yet the complexity never overwhelms the animals themselves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat I find especially beautiful is the mastery behind the piece and Isabel Fabian’s extraordinary dedication to her work. Every section has been considered, from the difficult carving of the mother, baby, and curling tail to the countless painted lines and patterns that continue across surfaces most people might never notice at first glance. The smaller patterns on the baby echo those on the mother, tying the two figures together, while their amber eyes add warmth to the design's precision. This piece reflects not only technical skill but also patience, discipline, and an enormous investment of time and soul.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: Oaxaca\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 6.5\" Tall  9.5\"Long × 6\" Wide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sandia Folk","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67465330622713,"sku":"1023367IF","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0245\/1069\/3451\/files\/Opossum-Copal-Alebrije-Mexican-Folk-IsabelF-4952.jpg?v=1792781253","url":"https:\/\/www.sandiafolk.com\/products\/isabel-fabian-masterpiece-opossum-baby-alebrije","provider":"Sandia Folk","version":"1.0","type":"link"}