When discussing artistic diversity, there are no better examples than Monterrey and Chihuahua. Though both regions are located in the north, they possess contrasting traditions where their artisans find common inspiration.
In Monterrey, the craft of leatherwork is an art in constant evolution, where masters manipulate various leathers to transform them into works admired worldwide. From shoes and hats to belts, bags, and keychains.
Traditionally associated with creating utilitarian items like saddles and horse tack, leatherwork is now undergoing notable changes. Traditional techniques of tanning, molding, and sewing leather remain fundamental in current practice and have been refined over the years, preserving methods that ensure the quality and durability of the pieces.
The main tools are knives or blades for cutting leather with a specific edge to shape it, large sewing machines, and so-called chisels, which are often crafted by the artisans themselves to create their designs.
However, Monterrey artisans are adapting their craft to meet the new demands of the contemporary market. This includes incorporating modern decorations and creating items that combine different leathers, extending beyond traditional uses to include cushions, armchairs, tables, and even kitchen accessories.
In an increasingly globalized world, Monterrey’s leatherwork has found a broader market, fostering a cultural exchange that enriches the practice of all these workshops. During your visit to Monterrey, we invite you to discover this craft at the Mercado Indio and Mercado Juárez, as well as in the specialized stores around Macroplaza.
In the arid desert of Chihuahua, Mexico, lies a small community that has turned dust and clay into true works of art: Mata Ortiz. This village, with fewer than 1,500 inhabitants, is the epicenter of one of the most prominent forms of contemporary ceramics known for its beauty and deep connection with its ancestors.
The resurgence of Mata Ortiz ceramics is largely attributed to Juan Quezada, a self-taught artisan who, in the 1970s, rediscovered and revitalized the techniques of ancient and ancestral Mimbres culture. Inspired by ancient pottery shards found in the region and his passion for pottery, Quezada began experimenting with new design forms.
Before Quezada’s intervention, Mata Ortiz ceramics were at risk of disappearing. The tradition had been nearly forgotten and limited to simple, utilitarian forms. However, Quezada’s work rescued and innovated this craft, combining precision with a modern aesthetic that has captured the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
The creation of each piece is a meticulous dance. Each handmade piece begins with the selection and preparation of clay, which is carefully shaped and smoothed. Artisans use ancestral techniques, such as wooden molds to shape the pieces and wood-fired kilns, which impart a distinctive and authentic finish.
One of the standout features of Mata Ortiz is the use of geometric designs. Patterns, often including abstract figures, are created by artisans who use fine brushes to achieve a flawless finish.
Today, new generations are learning from the old masters and taking Mata Ortiz ceramics in new directions. This balance between innovation and preservation is essential for maintaining the vitality of Mata Ortiz ceramics in the future.
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