It’s vacation and I’m trying not to be breathless. For the last two days, I have walked up and down Teotitlan hills following the posada processional from one house to another in the annual pre-Christmas tradition of Mary and Joseph visiting and staying over in the altar rooms of nine homes before the birth of baby Jesus on Christmas Eve–and the ultimate posada. On Friday night, there was a gallery opening at Las Bugambilias where Lisa Cicotte exhibited the rugs she designed that were woven by master Tito Mendoza, and the lyrical paintings created by Aurora Cabreras, the proprietress of Las Bugambilias, were celebrated. On Saturday morning, Eric Chavez Santiago taught a tie-dye workshop at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca using anil or indigo dye in which I participated along with 10 other people — adults, children, a Trique weaver who works with Remigio Mestas, and one other gringa. It was loads of fun, very messy, and gave me another new appreciation for what it takes to work with natural dyes and create great designs. In the afternoon, after a great $50 peso comida at El Gran Gourmet Oaxaqueno on Independencia just past Avenida Juarez walking away from the Zocalo. It is fabuloso — and the meal includes soup (this day, sopa de crema de verdura), fresh steamed veggies perfectly cooked, arroz, filete de pescado (oooh, delicioso), agua de pepino con limon (a great cucumber lemon juice drink), and gelatina for dessert. YES, all for $50 pesos! Very clean. Oh, and homemade tortillas on the premises.
I want to write about Remigio Mestas, who has a current exhibit in the second floor library of the Museo Textil de Oaxaca. His shop, Arte Textil Indigena, is on Macedonia Alcala 403-2, in the historic center of Oaxaca. Telephone: 951-501-0552. Email cbram@prodigy.net.mx It is the premiere location for authentic indigenous weavings.
See Remigio talk about a textile from the Sierra Madre del Sur. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Z53c-pulA
For the last 15 years, Remigio has identified the greatest weavers, dyers, and spinners from all over Oaxaca state and has worked with them to preserve the traditional patterns and processes involved in textile creation. He has also influenced their use and return to natural dyes. What is purchased there is guaranteed to be authentic. Remigio says he is responsible for the livelihood of over 200 artisans who live in villages near Oaxaca and in remote mountain villages. His commitment is to sustain the culture, history, and create economic opportunities for Mixe, Mixtec, Trique and Zapotec communities all over the state.
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