I love Oaxaca so much—have been there like 10 times. If I were going to live in Mexico, it would be the place! I always come home with textiles, alebrijes, pottery, jewelry—my home has so much Mexican folk art I could probably open my own tienda. I love that I am connected to these artists. On my most recent trip my driver went way out of his way and off our planned itinerary to take me to a small village where elderly women made the most gorgeous barro rojo. If I’d had space in my luggage I’d have bought more. I love thinking of those women’s hands forming the pieces I have.
You should feel absolutely no shame about this at all! While I can't recognize a lot of these shop names, I can absolutely empathize to the sensation and attraction 🩵
The locals are doing what they do best! Creating things the way they learned from others. Beautiful. In Costa Rica, like Mexico, the Walmart (which was over an hour away!) had less items than a Walmart in the States, the prices were ridiculously high due to Costa Rica’s import tax, and it was crap. Local artisans for the win! I hope you bought the $15 blue tablecloth!
Textiles in Mexico are my favorite items to purchase. Better quality, beautiful designs, usually a tradition of family artisans who pass their skills to the next generation, and of course at a better price than anything purchased in the U.S. Meeting the maker, often being in the workshop, and choosing size and color all make for a unique and lovely experience. It’s the same for all the artisan crafts which is just one reason Mexico is so special. Thank you for highlighting the sad but true dichotomy of their fascination with U.S. made products.
I love Oaxaca so much—have been there like 10 times. If I were going to live in Mexico, it would be the place! I always come home with textiles, alebrijes, pottery, jewelry—my home has so much Mexican folk art I could probably open my own tienda. I love that I am connected to these artists. On my most recent trip my driver went way out of his way and off our planned itinerary to take me to a small village where elderly women made the most gorgeous barro rojo. If I’d had space in my luggage I’d have bought more. I love thinking of those women’s hands forming the pieces I have.
Your ability to find amazing spots here continues to amaze (as does the artistry of Oaxacan craftspeople).
Thanks buddy, that’s very nice of you!
You should feel absolutely no shame about this at all! While I can't recognize a lot of these shop names, I can absolutely empathize to the sensation and attraction 🩵
The locals are doing what they do best! Creating things the way they learned from others. Beautiful. In Costa Rica, like Mexico, the Walmart (which was over an hour away!) had less items than a Walmart in the States, the prices were ridiculously high due to Costa Rica’s import tax, and it was crap. Local artisans for the win! I hope you bought the $15 blue tablecloth!
Textiles in Mexico are my favorite items to purchase. Better quality, beautiful designs, usually a tradition of family artisans who pass their skills to the next generation, and of course at a better price than anything purchased in the U.S. Meeting the maker, often being in the workshop, and choosing size and color all make for a unique and lovely experience. It’s the same for all the artisan crafts which is just one reason Mexico is so special. Thank you for highlighting the sad but true dichotomy of their fascination with U.S. made products.