Sandra López Servín: Artisan of Tradition and Passion
Sandra López Servín, originally from the Community of Santa Cruz in the municipality of Tzintzuntzan, found her home in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, after getting married. This place, rich in history and tradition, has become her current residence and the setting where she brings her beautiful artisanal creations to life.
Beginning in Handicrafts
From a very young age, at the age of 17, Sandra was adopted by her aunt Bertha Servín, who guided her hand in the world of handicrafts. Under Bertha’s loving and expert guidance, Sandra developed her skills and found her true vocation. Now, with 32 years of experience, she considers this her life, a life full of colors, threads, and tradition.
Dreams, Goals, and Plans
In 2014, Sandra achieved a significant milestone by winning a special award with her embroidered quilt at the State Handicrafts Contest during the Night of the Dead celebrations. This award, which recognizes the complexity and mastery in the development and application of advanced embroidery techniques, is a testament to her dedication and talent.
Sandra is a passionate lover of the traditions of her locality, so much so that she often embroiders scenes from these festivities in her pieces. Her favorite celebration is Corpus Christi, a vibrant and colorful festival that is reflected in her detailed embroideries.
Techniques and Creative Process
Sandra, like Bertha, uses artisanal fabric woven by hand on a pedal loom. The selection of the highest quality colorful threads is essential for her work, using skeins of fine and shiny threads. The process begins with preparing the fabric, whether it is a blouse, towel, or picture, on which she traces the design with a black ink pen for light fabrics and a white ink pen for dark fabrics.
The time dedicated to each piece varies, but quality is always the priority. "Our work is such that to make a small 50x60 picture, it takes a few months. We ensure that the materials are of the highest quality possible so that the buyer gets a good product as well," explains Sandra.
Inspiration and Motivation
Sandra López Servín is more than an artisan; she is a guardian of Purépecha traditions and a creator who transforms stories and festivities into tangible art. Her commitment and love for her work are evident in every stitch, every carefully selected thread, and every piece that comes from her hands, carrying with it the essence and spirit of her culture.
