Carlos Ibarra Gallery
We have lived in our Bucerias home for a handful of years. For much of this time, our walls have been mostly unadorned, lacking decoration. The choices for art work and home accents from galleries in this area are endless. I am not a decorator by any stretch of the imagination, and found it difficult to choose. We didn’t want to pick something just for the sake of adding things here and there…we wanted each investment to mean something. And yes, we have since brought home some local works to slowly but surely bring life to our house; canvases, tapestries, glass pieces, etc. With my eyes scanning our walls, I think things are looking up around here. Looking up? Ah, yes, there’s still this vast, empty wall that we have yet to find the perfect piece for.
We’re happy to advise, we now have the solution.
It was this past summer that we had the pleasure of discovering the magnificent metal works of Carlos Ibarra. We were asked by friends to attend Carlos’ gallery to pick up a piece they had previously purchased. While walking to the gallery, we were completely unaware our own home decor was about to be upgraded by including some type of incredible metal art. Once inside, I wandered around, enjoying every turn, shelf, creation, finding myself wanting to bring home every piece…oh, that candle pillar would look great in that empty corner of the living room, right, hon? and, Oooh, look at this whimsical mermaid! Fabulous for our bathroom…
After Dennis encouraged me to take leave of the gallery, I immediately began stewing about how to have one of Carlos’ pieces on our wall. As previously mentioned, I have no mind for decorating. I wonder if Carlos would come to our house to see the wall we need help with? Indeed, he and his wife Marisela, arrived to measure up the scene. Tape measure, ponder, make notes, ponder, measure, ponder. Carlos announced that he has something in mind. He will draw it up and return to show us.
It was in 1989 that Carlos knew he wanted to create art using his favourite material, metal. Hailing from Guadalajara, he opened his first gallery in nearby Tlaquepaque. After meeting Marisela, their family grew with the addition of two sons, now strapping young men, Pablo and Carlos. The family has shown their work in their Bucerias gallery for just over two years.
Evidently, Carlos has an insightful mind that envisions the whole picture, for they returned with a beautifully sketched prototype. I knew right away there would be no changes, additions or omissions…I loved it! With bamboo, a tucan, whirly sun, and giant leaves as greenery, it was going to be the perfect accent for a very large, very empty wall we have been staring at for some time now.
Finishing Touches 
Men At Work 
Personally Signing
We are overjoyed with the unique, designed-for-us art work. The quality of service and client attention was top notch. Our piece was ready when he predicted it would be, and installation was included. I already have my next job lined up for Carlos and family!
Pablo put together this fantastic video showing the making of our wall art. Settle in, you’re going to enjoy this show!
Vallarta Tribune readers, please go to https://buceriaslifeintheslowlane.com to see the video.
