Nueva Vida
Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca
Nueva Vida Rugs and Tapestry
Meet Nueva Vida - the heart of Pastora and Silvia. Sisters from different misters. And the fuerza and corazón behind it all.
In Valle de Teotitlán, they welcome you with bright eyes, bright smiles…. the kind that stay with you. Their space is alive: wool being spun, naturally dyed, looms in motion, laughter never far. They are some of the OGd dreamers and doers of Teotitlán del Valle. Quietly paving the way for women who once had very little; creating space for independence, dignity, something to hold onto again. Silvia carries a quiet mischief, her creativity moving beyond tradition, gently pushing it forward. Pastora, grounded and wise; but there’s fire there too, a spark in her eyes that is simply captivating. Together, they’ve ran the race of endurance. They have not only created a comforting space to gather, to make, to be held in. But also built a community where life is full..making jam, pasta, dancing Zumba, healing in counselling.
Life, in all its parts.
Now they have been able to provide looms in each artisans home - the work continuing, on their own terms. Time with them feels like a whole lotta love, hugs and the kinda laughter that lingers.
We’re so darn proud to walk alongside them.
Macrina Ladies
Atzompa, Mexico
Macrina Red Pottery Collection
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.”
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.
Betzy & Miguel
Santa María Atzompa, OAXACA
Betzy and Miguel, from Santa María Atzompa: our first artisan love in Oaxaca, and forever in our hearts.
They mine clay from ancestral hills and turn it into vessels full of heritage, heart, and their stories. Betzy learned from her mother and grandmother, three generations of women who live and breathe this craft.
Their workshop is chaos in the best way: kids, pets, laughter, music, mezcal and the air is thick with a creative buzz. Betzy will sit you down and demo things right in front of you as we design,play, touch, tweak, perfect. You can see her generational intuition in her craft truly flourish and her eyes light up. Miguel is the rhythm master..firing the pieces, steady and focused, bringing tradition, tenacity, and heat. A teacher, mezcal-maker, and all-around force, he holds the flow while letting Betzy’s ideas fly.
We connect in broken Spanish, through jokes, laughter, and messy, perfect moments. Betzy has her aunty make her famous black mole curry, Miguel keeps the mezcal flowing and we just bask in the goodness of life and the true and powerful connection of creativity. Giggling late into the night..bellies full, hearts even fuller.