Irene
Nairobi, kenya
Wanzau Brass Collection
Meet Irene from Nairobi, Kenya. She is an admin assistant by day, and artist by night. Irene is adorably mischievous, in a cute and coy kinda way! It was her idea to name this line, Wanzau, which is her middle name. When she told us that it meant "little calf".. we literally died! Trying to explain AAA Alberta beef to a Kenyan is hilarious, to say the least. We bonded over Kenyan and South African music during the wee hours of the night as we dreamt, collaborated, and designed the Wanzau Brass Collection. This array is very dear to our hearts, because it was able to sustain Irene during the financial crisis that happened ensuing COVID-19.
Macrina Ladies
Atzompa, Mexico
Macrina Mateo Martínez is a visionary Zapotec potter from San Marcos Tlapazola who has fearlessly opened doors for the women in her village, turning humble red clay into both art and a way of life. Raised in a family of potters, Macrina dared to take her craft beyond the village, breaking barriers and inspiring generations—bringing the vibrant soul of Oaxacan red clay to the world.
Macrina has the most vibrant smile, is hella mischievious, and so very loving. You see these qualities shine through her workmanship and expressionalism. Her pieces radiate her spirit—dem little piglets have even found a home at MoMA in New York. For Macrina, these pieces are meant to be lived with and loved: “Put them directly on the fire and give them some burn marks. Pieces hold memories and can’t do that sitting on display. Make them a part of your family.”