"I love imagining something exciting and finding a way to transfer that concept onto textiles... color, form and texture. I'm inspired by nature, the cosmos and our Mexican roots."
"I was born in Hidalgo, Mexico. My first contact with weaving began while working in a textile application workshop, where I learned about the many possibilities for research and developing new techniques.
"While learning about different fiber and dyeing techniques, I liked the idea of trying something different with textiles. What interested me the most were eco-friendly processes because I like being environmentally responsible.
"I started to experiment with the basics at hand with little resources. It was a difficult start. The shrinking market created financial problems and I had to close my workshop. At that time, I was very sad because I also lost my mother and father. Nevertheless, I do believe my path has been full of lessons. I've learned to appreciate and take advantage of what I actually have. I believe it's wrong to give up your dream if you don't have the economic resources. It's a mistake to forget about what you really have or who you can count on.
"I've learned that the most valuable resources are thinking and willingness. To start something, first you need to have an idea — something you feel and live before doing what you pictured. Then, you suffer but also learn to think and put your ideas into practice and keep working again tirelessly until you finish what you set out to do.
"Through observation, creativity, sensitivity and emotions, nature is a strong influence on me. Love and passion are essential before making anything. At my age, I don't think I've lost the capacity to be amazed. I still enjoy playing and having experiences that get me closer to nature, like trapping a fish with my own hands just to 'talk' with it before releasing it back into the sea. This experience not only makes me smile physically, but also makes me smile from within.
"I love the idea of imagining something exciting and finding a way to transfer that concept onto textiles. I have to think about getting the effect I want, taking into account the color, form and texture. I'm inspired by nature, the cosmos and our Mexican roots.
"I prefer natural fibers to make my designs. We use cotton and wool, and plan to include silk. What I most like about working with these materials is the challenge of transforming a concept into a design that people can perceive.
"My whole family works with me. My children help in the workshop, but also seek markets to sell my designs. My wife adds the finishing touches and enjoys sharing the ideas behind each design. She can't help it! Finally, I'm the one who has the most fun. My job is to dream up how the threads that will later be dressed up with our technique's colors and effects. I'm in charge of designing, spinning the threads, dyeing them and warping the loom before creating each design.
"I think I can have a positive influence on my surroundings by sharing the work and economic benefits with people from needy communities. Each design is finished by hand by women from poorer areas of the state who work from home. I'm also concerned with taking care of the environment, which is why I ration water and materials, and avoid air pollutants by not burning fossil fuels.
"My future plans include teaching people techniques so that they can translate their own feelings into the textiles. I hope to see more people embrace our designs and I want my workshop to grow. My dream is that what I imagine will come to be."