"Two Boys on a Burro – A Glimpse Into the Simple Joys of Rural Mexico"
In the expansive, sun-drenched fields of rural Guanajuato, life unfolds at a different pace—one where the simplicity of everyday moments speaks volumes. It is here, on the rugged countryside known as El Campo, that photographer Chuck Jones found a scene that captures the essence of childhood innocence and the quiet beauty of rural Mexico: two boys sitting proudly atop a burro, sharing a moment of joy under the shade of a majestic tree.
This platinum palladium print, titled "Two Boys on a Burro," immortalizes a fleeting moment in time—a reflection of the enduring bond between people and the land, and the simplicity of a life lived in harmony with nature. The print, meticulously hand-toned by Suzanne Birrell, is brought to life with her delicate watercolor touches, making this image as vibrant and heartfelt as the day it was captured.
The Story of "Two Boys on a Burro"
In the photograph, two young boys sit atop a burro—their trusted companion and symbol of rural life. One boy wears a gentle expression, as if the weight of his young life is softened by the comfort of tradition. His friend behind him leans in with a confident smile, as if they’ve conquered the world simply by riding their burro across the sunlit plains. The boys’ clothing is simple, yet the scene radiates with the natural richness of life in El Campo.
The tree that shelters them from the hot Mexican sun provides a visual anchor, its branches stretching across the frame as if to protect the innocence of youth. In the background, the Guanajuato countryside stretches endlessly, bathed in warm, pastel hues carefully hand-applied by Suzanne Birrell. The mountains in the distance glow softly, serving as a reminder of the timelessness of this rural landscape, where traditions are passed down from generation to generation.
The boys and their burro are not just subjects of the photograph—they are representatives of a disappearing way of life. In a world increasingly shaped by technology and urbanization, scenes like this are becoming rarer. Yet, in this moment, Chuck has captured the spirit of the campo—the simplicity, the resilience, and the deep connection between people, animals, and the land.
The Photographer’s Vision
Chuck Jones, after nearly eight years and 56,000 miles on the road, was determined to preserve these vanishing traditions before they fade from memory. "Two Boys on a Burro" is one of those moments that speaks to his mission: to showcase the humanity, innocence, and joy of rural Mexican life. His work is a celebration of the disappearing culturethat exists far from the modern world, a culture where the pace of life is dictated by the rising and setting sun, and where moments of beauty are found in the most ordinary of days.
Printed on 100% cotton Arches Platine paper, this platinum palladium print brings incredible depth and richness to the image. The tones are subtle yet powerful, and the boys’ expressions and the texture of the burro’s fur are rendered with exquisite detail. Chuck’s artistic vision, paired with the archival quality of the print, ensures that this moment will endure for generations.
Suzanne Birrell’s Touch
Suzanne Birrell’s watercolor toning brings an extra layer of warmth and life to the print. Her hand-applied strokes give vibrancy to the boys’ clothing, the burro’s soft fur, and the vast landscape behind them. The result is a photograph that feels both timeless and alive, where the natural tones of rural Mexico are brought forward in delicate harmony with the black-and-white depth of the platinum palladium process.
Why Own "Two Boys on a Burro"?
When you purchase "Two Boys on a Burro," you are not just acquiring a work of art—you are owning a piece of Mexico’s cultural heart. This one-of-a-kind print encapsulates the simplicity and joy of life in El Campo, where the bond between people, animals, and the land is sacred.
At 15" x 22", this exclusive 1 of 1 edition is priced at $5,800, making it a rare and unique treasure for any collector. The platinum palladium process ensures its archival quality, while Suzanne’s watercolor toning brings it to life in a way that is both delicate and powerful.
This artwork is a window into a world that is rapidly changing, a reminder of the beauty that exists in the simple moments shared between children and animals in rural Mexico. As a collector, owning this print means preserving not just a photograph, but a tradition, a way of life, and the innocence of childhood.
Call to Action
By acquiring "Two Boys on a Burro," you are not just buying a piece of art—you are investing in the legacy of rural Mexican culture. This print tells a story of childhood, tradition, and the enduring beauty of a life connected to the land.
Will you be the one to bring this story into your collection? This one-of-a-kind platinum palladium print, with its hand-applied watercolor touches, is waiting for a home where its story will continue to be told.
Own a piece of Mexico’s soul. Let "Two Boys on a Burro" take you on a journey back to the simple, timeless joys of rural life.