Luis Pablo: Grizzly Bear with Fish Alebrije Woodcarving

Fabulous grizzly bear wood carving by top Oaxacan artist Luis Pablo!

I love how he tells a whole story with such a simple pose. The bear stands upright, towering, paws tucked close to its belly, with a fresh fish in its mouth—so mischievous and playful, as if we’ve just caught him in the act of enjoying his meal. From another angle, the fish rests at his feet, a delightful moment captured forever in wood.

Luis Pablo’s use of color is spectacular in this piece. The bear’s head and legs glow in a warm brick-red, beautifully contrasting with the deep cobalt-blue body. I love the short painted strokes that hint at fur while keeping the silhouette crisp and elegant. The yellow-and-orange band around the middle reminds me of a woven belt, and the circles around the eyes give the bear a lively, surprised expression. Even the fish is painted with joyful detail in blue, orange, black, and white.

This carving is a spectacular showcase of Luis Pablo’s contemporary style. His animals always have bold shapes, vibrant colors, and just the right touch of pattern to bring them to life.

The fish is a perfect detail, carved and painted with care, never just an afterthought. Even when the bear holds it sideways, you instantly recognize it as a fish. Such a playful and masterful touch!

Origin: Oaxaca
Dimensions: 12''Tall 6''Long 4.5''Wide