Made
in the Southwest: A Shopper's Guide to the Region's Best Native
American, Hispanic and Western Craft Traditions ,
by Laura Morelli
This is a flat-out fantastic book. In addition
to being visually gorgeous, it just may be the most surprising
-- and perhaps even most important -- road trip book of the
year. In these days of increasing polarization of opinion and
belief about "the border problem" between the United
States and Mexico, author Laura Morelli brings a sense of balance
and appreciation for all of the human cultures that have lived,
worked and created art in the great southwestern deserts.
I don't particularly like admitting
that Made in the Southwest: A Shopper's Guide to the Region's
Best Native American, Hispanic and Western Craft Traditions
resided in the "to-be-reviewed" pile of books in
my office much longer than it deserved because the title did
not immediately grab my attention. Don't make a similar mistake
-- this is a book that transcends everything you might have
thought you knew about Native American, Hispanic and Anglo-American
(Western) craft traditions. In addition to my new-found respect
for Hispanic art & crafts this book opened my eyes to
a whole new way of looking at road trips and the importance
of seeking the unusual in the midst of what seems very ordinary.
The best shopping guides have
detailed information about the artisans, suggestions for visiting,
and background information about a region. Morelli delivers
all of that and also succeeds in educating us about the historical
sources for many of the artisans' inspirations over the last
couple hundred years. In addition, and unlike most guides,
this book is in itself a work of art. There are eighty color
photographs that light up the pages in ways that surprise
and delight. The paper looks and feels opulent, and the page
layout is visually stunning. The cover includes a lacquered
effect more beautiful than any I have ever seen on a trade
paperback guidebook.
The book is divided into two
sections. In the first section, Morelli, who holds a Ph.D.
in art history from Yale University, provides an overview
of several different ethnic craft traditions originating from
both Old World and New World values and ideas from the Americas
and European continents. After reading this book, I have a
much clearer understanding and appreciation for authentic
Hispanic tinware, wrought iron, and straw crafts. Most surprising
to me was the section on cowboy boots and spurs from the Western
craft culture. Throughout this section, the author provides
insider tips about where and when to find the most unusual
examples of each type of art.
The author's sense of humor
and adventure become apparent in her personal recommendations
for finding authentic examples of various types of crafts
and art in Arizona, Southern California, Southwestern Colorado,
New Mexico, Southern Nevada, Utah and West Texas. I "discovered"
stores that I have passed by scores of times over the years
but never knew about, including one in downtown Las Vegas
only a few miles from my office. You might not think that
reading store listings would be entertaining, but trust me
-- you won't find descriptions like these in your AAA guidebook!
This is more than a buyer's guide -- it is treasure map that
can lead you to amazing discoveries on your next road trip
to the southwest.
Mark
Sedenquist
5/21/06
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