Flores, Aurelio (1901 - 1986)

Aurelio Flores, the grandson of potters, began working as a child helping his parents. From the traditional candelabra and incense burners made for ceremonial purposes, he developed the sculpture known today as the "tree of life." His colorful sculptures were typically decorated with leaves, flowers, birds, Adam, Eve, the serpent and archangel Gabriel. Trees of life were traditionally given as gifts to a bride and groom as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. As Izúcar de Matamoros used to be located on the Pan-American Highway, Aurelio's ceramics were eventually discovered and collected by adventurers motoring through Mexico. The Flores family became known, and were able to make a living by trading their ceramics for food and goods. Pottery was something Aurelio did in his spare time, however; he primarily worked in the fields, and was a traditional healer and musician. Aurelio's son, Francisco, helped him from an early age and after Aurelio died he continued making the sculptures in the same style as his father. Francisco passed away in 2006; his children chose not to continue the family's pottery tradition.