Grand Master Juana Gómez, Chiapas
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by Florence Leyret

I began documenting artisans living around Lake Pátzcuaro early in 2013 in collaboration with the organizers of the Feria Maestros del Arte (the Fair of Masters of Art) at Lake Chapala. Then, in April, I attended the Fair, an event that brings together artisans from all over Mexico, to meet the masters and document their work. There I met Juana.

When we met Juana I took pictures of her, and in that moment, a seed was planted in my heart. She had a profound look—strong, deep, and peaceful, much like her jaguars. We didn't really speak, but our exchange transcended words. I knew I had to visit her in her home in Amatenango del Valle, Chiapas. Visiting artisans in their own spaces is the truest way to experience the richness of Mexico.

Before anything else, I wanted to capture a portrait of her that would reflect her magnificent spirit. I envisioned a few images in my mind that would showcase her as a woman of power, indomitable and gentle at the same time.

Taking portraits of artisans in their workspaces is always challenging, as one never knows the space (often small and poorly lit), the working conditions, or the artisan's personality. But this challenge is part of the excitement! The goal is always to reveal the inherent beauty in every human being.

Arriving at Juana's place in Amatenango was a bit difficult. I was driving my own car, but asked a cab driver for directions. (Juana is very well known there.) Juana's place was vast, with different buildings, clearly housing an extended family, as is common in Mexico. Magically, I saw a huge jaguar sculpture in one of the open spaces, waiting to be shipped. I immediately knew this would be the perfect setting. I asked Juana to sit next to it, set up my strobe light, and asked her to look at me, facing her at eye level. (I didn't ask the jaguar, though.)

With my heart pounding, I took the shot. Now, 11 years later, I still love this picture for its color, shapes, contrast, and the beauty it expresses. I am thankful to Juana and her family for welcoming me and grateful to the ever-expanding Universe.

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Florence Leyret is a French photographer, Mexican resident, living in the city of Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.

Florence studied art in France, but it was in New York where she moved in 2003 that her passion for street photography and portrait photography within the various communities of New York really blossomed.

Two decades ago, during a vacation in México, Florence was captivated by the beauty and mysticism of the area of Lake Pátzcuaro. This love at first sight led her to return several times before finally settling on this land. She began to immerse herself in the culture documenting local artisans, but quickly found herself totally absorbed in the world of traditions and rituals of the Purépecha people.

Tirelessly, Florence has explored indigenous rural areas, from the "Meseta Purépecha" to the shores of lake Pátzcuaro and the territory of Zacapu. In her work, she seeks to capture the essence of a culture rooted in an ancient system of beliefs and traditions, a legacy that has stood the test of time in its purity and complexity.

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Florence has participated in multiple individual and group exhibitions, most recently:
- In 2024, "Raíces", an individual exhibition on the "Plaza de Armas" of Morelia, presented by
the Ministry of Culture of Morelia.
- In 2023, "The making and the dressing /of Carla Fernandez", at the "Fábrica San Pedro
Cultural Center", Uruapan, Michoacán.
-In 2021, "Concavo y convexo" at the Museum of the State of Michoacán, Morelia (still
present there).
- In 2021, "Anime'cheri Ke'tsitakua" (Offering to the souls), at the Municipal Palace of
Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.
-In 2020, "Michoacán: Looking into Our Eyes", at the Maria and Hector Garcia Foundation,
Mexico City.
-In 2019, "K'uinchekua" at the University of Guanajuato.
-In 2019, "Guardians of traditions" in Cherán, Michoacán. The exhibition opened at the
Cherán House of Culture, and was later presented in Pátzcuaro and Mexico City.

Education:
Fine Art Degree - Ecole des Beaux Arts de Toulon, France 1987
Master degree in Education, France 1979

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