why buy handmade?

I've been thinking about this topic for the past several days; the importance it means to artisans and local business' that the general public understand the meaning of 'handmade' and buying local.

I'll tell you how buying handmade affects my life.  Whenever I make a sale, it means I can pay my rent, car payments, buy new equipment, get groceries and maybe one day have employees.  I always tell my friends that it means your putting dollars back into your neighbors wallet. 

I also thought of the other angle, that 'hey, I'm shopping for a bargain' which, I'm almost always doing.  However, I also want something to last and be worth my money.  I'll admit, I love going to TJ Maxx and getting something on clearance.  But nowadays its for necessities; like running shorts or shoes not a candle or a coffee mug.  I made a conscientious about seven years ago that instead of buying crap, like tshirts from Forever 21 or Target, that I'd save my money and wait for something that I knew would last, even if it meant wearing or using old things that I was tired of.   

When I'm searching for a wedding gift, I buy handmade, or any gift really.  Buying handmade means supporting your local economy as well as the artisan economy.  There is a deeper meaning and story behind the object you purchase and that's special and worth spending good money.

So with all that said, I urge you to do the same.  Invest in pieces that are unique, one of a kind and keep the history of handmade objects alive.  

Me, using my hands to make individual and memorial pieces.  

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Mexico Post part 3

My posts about my Mexico trip are still coming in, there was so much beautiful and rich art to drink in - I couldn't help take photos of everything!

The second day Laritza and I were in Mexico we visited several museums, one of them had a very extensive exhibit on the history of Mexican art, from all mediums - textiles, clay, metalwork, sculptural and murals. The artwork spanned decades of traditional mexican art, such as masks (the ones you see here), murals, ceramic wear, textiles, jewelry - much of the work is around the fascinating and evolving religion. I've always been drawn to how humans and cultures manifest their belief system in art work - essentially cultural anthropology (my first degree).

The mixture of indigenous groups, such as Mayans with Spanish and European influences is so visually appealing. My main love affair is with the intense love affair with the Dead and spirit world. I could go on and on but here I will allow the photos to explain themselves.

Enjoy - and have a great weekend!

A ceramic Catrina doll. Craft is ridiculous!

Virgin Mary Catrina.

beautiful, the hand has such a morbid but cool aesthetic.

Mermaid skeleton - love it!

Lil' old Abuelita (Grandma)
dead and still smoking - kinda like the secretary in Beetlejuice!

Flying devil/trickster.
The interpretation of nighmares and evil spirits into
the devil and his faeries - not so uncommon around the world.

My brother would love these masks (he collects them).

Laritza absorbing this beautifully painted mural.

Gorgeously repoussed silver crown and cups.

These pendants remind me of replicas my Abuelita has.

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Panamanian artisans

whoa, what a trip I came back from. I have so much to tell and show that I'll have to do it in phases.

First off, I am in awe of the artisans of Panama. They are extremely talented and hardworking and very underapreciated by the local Panamanians. however, tourists eat up their work! And it's no wonder why.

Above is a (bad) photo of woven jewelry, it's made from dyed palm leaves. They're so beautiful. I wanted to buy everything! but I held back.

more to come later... Pin It