"La Tienda – A Moment of Stillness in Rural Mexico"
In the small, sun-dappled town of Coronejo, Guanajuato, life moves at its own unhurried pace. The streets, lined with old buildings that have stood for generations, tell stories of simpler times, where the rhythm of daily life revolves around the community and its traditions. It is here, at the heart of this quiet town, that Chuck Jones captured a moment frozen in time—a scene that epitomizes the essence of rural Mexico in his platinum palladium print titled "La Tienda."
This print, hand-watercolor toned by Suzanne Birrell, transports the viewer to a place where everyday life is both humble and profound. The arched façade of the corner store—or "tienda"—is a reminder of the many shops that have long served as the social and economic lifeline of small towns across Mexico. The old man, sitting in the shade of the doorway, his head bowed, and the man on the bicycle slowly making his way up the street, paint a picture of a world where time flows differently—a world unburdened by the rush of modernity.
The Story of "La Tienda"
As you gaze into this photograph, you feel the slow, steady pulse of Coronejo. The town is quiet, and life here seems unchanged for decades. The façade of the tienda, with its weathered arches and rough stone, is the focal point of this scene. The sign above the door reads "Calle Ignacio Allende," named after one of Mexico's most prominent revolutionary figures, and a reminder of the town’s deep-rooted history.
In the shade of the archway, an old man sits alone, resting after what could be a morning of tending to his small plot of land or simply watching the world go by. His white hat, tipped low, hides his face, but his posture speaks of a lifetime spent in these streets—of years filled with work, laughter, and the changing seasons.
To the left of the frame, a lone cyclist, another elderly man, pedals his way slowly down the cobblestone street, his posture bent slightly forward, as if carrying the weight of many years. His bike, well-worn and reliable, mirrors the endurance and simplicity of life in this quiet town. Between these two figures, the space they inhabit becomes a dialogue about stillness, reflection, and endurance.
In this photograph, Chuck Jones has captured more than just a street scene. He has captured the essence of small-town Mexico, where community and routine are everything, and where the passage of time is measured in the slow, steady hum of daily life. The details in the image—from the texture of the tienda’s walls to the subtle play of light and shadow—are rendered with incredible richness, thanks to the platinum palladium process.
Chuck Jones’ Vision
During his eight-year journey across Mexico, covering 56,000 miles in his Jeep, Chuck Jones sought to document the disappearing traditions and everyday moments that define rural life. "La Tienda" is one such moment—a reflection of the quiet dignity of life in Coronejo, where the simple act of sitting in the shade or riding a bicycle down the street carries profound meaning.
The choice to print this image using the platinum palladium process adds a sense of timelessness to the photograph, as if this scene could have taken place yesterday or fifty years ago. The 15" x 22" print, on 100% cotton Arches Platine paper, ensures that the textures, shadows, and details of the scene are preserved in stunning clarity and depth.
The Artistic Touch of Suzanne Birrell
Suzanne Birrell’s watercolor toning brings this image to life in a way that highlights the subtle colors and textures of the town without overwhelming its natural beauty. The soft pastels of the buildings, the quiet greens of the surrounding trees, and the gentle blue of the sky all come together in harmony, creating a scene that feels both real and dreamlike. Her delicate touch adds warmth and humanity to a photograph already rich in emotion.
Why Own "La Tienda"?
"La Tienda" is more than just a photograph—it is an invitation to experience the beauty of everyday life in rural Mexico. This one-of-a-kind platinum palladium print, priced at $5,800, offers a rare glimpse into a world that is rapidly fading, where the slow, deliberate pace of life remains unchanged by the pressures of modernity.
For collectors who appreciate cultural preservation, the charm of old-world Mexico, and the stories that can be found in the quiet moments of daily life, this print is a must-have. It speaks to the endurance of tradition, the beauty of simplicity, and the power of capturing a single moment in time.
Call to Action
By acquiring "La Tienda," you are not just adding a piece of art to your collection—you are preserving a moment of rural Mexican life, a way of life that has sustained communities for generations. This one-of-a-kind print invites you to slow down, to appreciate the beauty of the everyday, and to reflect on the stories that are told in the quietest of moments.
Will you be the one to bring this moment of stillness and reflection into your home?
Own a piece of Mexico’s heart—let "La Tienda" take you back to a time and place where life was simple, and where the quiet moments held the greatest significance.