William Spratling, who initiated the modern
Mexican silver industry,
found inspiration for his work in pre-Conquest art, in contemporary
folk
art, and colonial painting and sculpture produced by indigenous artists.
The appeal of his silver designs is in the subtlety of the interpretation.
His was a cultural dialogue which he transmitted into silver.
This
slide talk looked at specific sources of influence and many
examples of his work and that of several other prominent Mexican
designers.
Dr. Penny Morrill is a Mexican
Art specialist and author. For the
last twenty years, she has done primary research in the area of modern
Mexican silver. Her books on the subject include "Mexican Silver" and
"Silver Masters of Mexico." She is currently curating an exhibit with
an
accompanying catalogue, published by Harry N. Abrams. "Maestros de
Plata: William Spratling and the Mexican Silver Renaissance"
opened
at the San Antonio Museum of Art October 2002, and is now traveling.
Dr.
Morrill also specializes in Mexican 16th century colonial art.
She is
currently teaching "The Art of Mexico" at Georgetown University.