The History of an Embroidery: Everyday Sights
Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Purépecha community: Embroidering from the idea to the piece
Community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Valley of artists
In the valleys of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, the workshop of Enedina Lara, Julia Hernández, and Erika Reynoso was born, a place where everyday life is transformed into works of art.
Purépecha artisans in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The beginning of an idea
At sunrise, the artistic process of the workshop begins with a vision: a picture in the imagination about ranch life and the magic that is achieved when you really appreciate everyday life.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The first step in creating magic
From the image come samples: this is where there emerge dozens of sketches, practice pieces on scraps of fabric, and experimentation with colors to create a mosaic of the community as seen through the vision of the artists.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Techniques with curious names
Once the material has been chosen, the selection of the technique follows: "Make me if you can," "If not, don't entangle me," "Petatillo," and "Mouse's rib" are some of the styles used by the artists.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Different textures
Each technique has its essence and purpose, and adds variety and depth that help highlight the story elements they want to tell in the embroidery.
Community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A vision of...
It is right here where a vision is consolidated and everyday life transforms into something more.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
...an everyday moment
Tzintzuntzan is transformed into an embroidery seen through the eyes of Enedina, Julia, and Erika.
Purépecha artisans in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-09-08) by Samuel Piñón FloresMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Processes and context
Erika, with her camera in hand, captures every stage of the process. Her lens not only immortalizes the piece, but also the moving hands and the camaraderie that overflow in each job.
Purépecha embroidery in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Digital art
But the creative process doesn't end there. When the embroidery is complete, Erika is in charge of digitizing it to bring the essence of the community to the world; they have sold their embroideries in many countries, such as France.
Community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
New inspirations
At nightfall, the workshop is silent, but the creative process never stops. Whether it's in your dreams, in conversations with your neighbors, or in an everyday moment, there's always a new story waiting to be embroidered.
Purépecha artisan in the community of Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico. (2023-08-23) by Iván ContrerasMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Sights and stories
In a corner of Michoacán, the stories of a community are transformed into embroideries and the embroideries into stories.
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