Proudly Tehuana and Master Artisan
I was born in Santo Domingo, Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, a land rich in traditions, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. I proudly say that I am Tehuana! Although I am a professional lawyer, my true passion lies in textile art. I am the third generation of artisans in my family, a legacy that fills me with pride and one I embrace with conviction. Since childhood, I have been dedicated to this craft that is deeply intertwined with my identity.
Inheriting a Legacy
At the age of 7, I began to embroider in my mother’s workshop. She is an extraordinary woman whom I deeply admire. As a master textile artist herself, she taught me the value and beauty of embroidery. I learned by watching her and other artisans’ hands dance with needles and threads, bringing life to the fabric stitch by stitch. The distinctive sound of the needle piercing the cloth captivated me, and to this day, I still feel the same excitement when I start a new project. Every flower that blooms on the canvas reflects the dreams that blossom within me.
A 45-Year Journey
For more than 45 years, I have dedicated myself to this beautiful craft. Throughout my life, I have experienced the magic of creating textiles that not only tell stories but also preserve our identity. Each time I begin a new piece, the process, and the finished product are a unique experience that stays close to my heart. My main motivation is to help preserve the textiles of my region because they are part of who we are. In them, I see our culture, our history, and our identity reflected.
Preserving a Living Culture
Being an artisan is both an honor and a responsibility. Through my work, I fight to preserve and spread the richness of the textiles from my region. Alongside many other textile artists, we are united in this effort to safeguard our culture, a living, breathing culture that evolves but never forgets its roots. My dream is for the world to know and appreciate Oaxaca’s textile art because each piece carries history and life within it.
Dreams and Vision
One of my greatest aspirations is for artisans to be fairly compensated for their work. Behind each garment are hours of physical labor, dedication, and the gradual loss of our eyesight. A fair price is not just a monetary value—it’s a way to honor the effort, tradition, and art that we pour into each stitch. I dream of a world where the value we assign to our creations is respected so that we can continue to live from our craft and put an end to the endless haggling that devalues our work.
Making Artisans Visible
In a world where industrial embroidery increasingly invades the market, it’s crucial to make true artisanal work visible and valued. People need to understand the difference and appreciate the time and skill it takes to create a one-of-a-kind piece. From my position, I will continue to work to make this dream a reality so that textile art can keep flourishing in our hands and our hearts.
