Roots That Inspire
Since her childhood in San Lucas Ojitlán, Oaxaca, Rosa Bernardino has felt a deep connection to the traditions of her Chinantec heritage. In her community, the art of crochet and embroidery is not just a skill but a language that tells stories, honors ancestors, and celebrates life. Growing up surrounded by this cultural richness ignited a passion for textile art within her, a passion she has woven throughout her life, intertwining memories and roots that remain with her to this day.
The Art That Flows From Her Hands
At a young age, Rosa Bernardino learned to master the techniques of crochet and hairpin lace, which she now perfects with great skill, leaving a mark on every piece she creates. Each blouse with a crocheted yoke, and every dress, sash, and belt carries the festive spirit of the fandango, the traditional celebration of the Sotavento region. Her work is not only a demonstration of her craft but a tribute to the celebrations and customs that have shaped her life and her community. While she also excels at the Chinantec embroidery she learned in her childhood, she can recreate the distinctive attire of the fandango that has earned her recognition beyond her region.
Weaving Tradition and Future
For Rosa Bernardino, her woven pieces are not just garments but symbols of her identity and pride. Each stitch reflects her love for the culture she was born into. With each new creation, she not only shares her art but ensures that the traditions of her people remain alive. She knows that her work serves as a bridge between the past and the future, a responsibility she carries with immense pride. Her greatest hope is that her creations continue to tell the stories of her homeland and that future generations will learn and keep these cherished traditions alive.
A Legacy to Share
Beyond her craftsmanship, Rosa Bernardino feels deep gratitude for those who appreciate her work and for those who, by wearing her creations, carry a piece of her homeland with them. She dreams of expanding her art, not only within Oaxaca but beyond, to showcase the beauty and strength of Chinantec traditions. For her, her legacy is not just what she leaves in each garment, but what she can share with others: the pride of being Chinantec and the hope that her art will continue to thrive.
