Eva Martínez Díaz: Artisan of Love and Tradition
Eva Martínez Díaz's journey into the world of craftsmanship began with her love for her husband, an accomplished artisan. "I learned by watching him work. Besides falling in love with the person, I fell in love with his work, and with how he did it. And that’s what I love to do." Eva feels immense pride in having learned the technique most traditionally, creating designs directly without any preliminary sketches or drafts.
Dreams, Goals, and Plans
Eva dreams of taking her handcrafted art to different parts of the world, sharing the beauty of her culture far and wide. Alongside this dream, she also hopes for the opportunity to travel with her husband, and exploring new places together.
Family Legacy
Eva's family is composed of talented and creative artisans who have mastered the art of lacquer profiling. Each family member has adapted this craft to their personality and style, creating a rich tapestry of artistic expression within their home.
Techniques Used in Handicrafts
Eva uses a variety of materials in the lacquer profiling technique, traditionally employing wood. She incorporates 23.5K gold leaf and the highest quality oils, such as Winsor and Newton. The technique is called "lacquer profiling" because, on the base material (whether wood, copper, quartz, shells, etc.), commercial lacquers are applied. These serve as the background color, and the gold profiling highlights the beautiful engravings of different figures and patterns, bordered in gold. The engravings are then filled with oils, adding color, light, and shadow, giving greater relief and depth to the piece.
Product Description
Most of Eva's products serve a practical purpose, but their primary function is to adorn. The engravings on her various pieces are unique, intricate, and full of detail. Eva draws inspiration from the nature she loves so much. "Nature fills me with emotion, with harmony, and that’s how I design each piece, thinking about nature. I capture flowers, butterflies, hummingbirds. Near Pátzcuaro, there’s a town called Tzintzuntzan, which in Purépecha means ‘place of hummingbirds,’ and indeed there are many hummingbirds of different colors and shapes. Occasionally, we include other little figures, but especially flowers and insects."
Eva Martínez Díaz's work is more than just a craft; it's a heartfelt expression of love, tradition, and the natural beauty that surrounds her. Each piece she creates is a testament to her dedication, skill, and the deep connection she feels with her culture and environment.