TONALÁ 03 glass vase

Availability: one to two weeks

Shipping: by priority parcel service. With all risks insurance

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In Spring (2024), Ella and Fidel (MALACARA) went to Tonalá, an industrial city and handicrafts centre in Jalisco. As they walked through the streets, Ella was overwhelmed by the diversity of crafts being produced and the talent of the artisans. They passed by different workshops, were often welcomed in and shown around. Many even let them stay to watch them produce some pieces. Fidel shared with Ella that people typically approach them with specific designs and clear expectations which can minimize creative freedom. This experience in Tonalá left many questions and thoughts in their mind.

On leaving Tonalá, they both shared a strong desire to work with the artisans, work that would embrace their creative expression. They decided to propose a project to them: create a piece, with no formal design requirements or specifications- simply an opportunity to express themselves in the creation of a face. At first the artisans were confused and wanted guidance; Fidel told them not to worry about the outcome, placing emphasis on the fact
that imperfections are an important part of the creative process and all experiments are beautiful. They tell a story. Initially, Ella asked for one piece but
they continued to experiment and play with the concept which ended with a collection of 14 pieces.

In the end, the artisans shared videos, capturing moments of laughter at their own creations. This revealed a profound truth: creating for the sake of
creativity is a deeply rewarding task. The experience reaffirmed their belief that art should be free from the pressures of commercialization. Or at least, everyone should create space to express themselves with the tools they possess. Embracing the process and celebrating imperfections taps into the pure joy of self-expression. Through this experiment, they were able to open new dialogues and narratives in how crafts are being produced, whilst also
cultivating a space for exploration and connection.