The online magazine People are Culture currently features an in-depth story by Meg Pier about Huichol art and culture, including interviews with four artisans who sell their traditional artwork on NOVICA.
“I have been intrigued by Huichol art since I first encountered it on a 2008 trip to Mexico,” Pier comments, adding, “I purchased a beautiful piece but wasn’t able to meet the artist or learn much about the tradition. So, I was delighted when an organization I have long admired [NOVICA] agreed to introduce me to Huichol artists who were willing to share some of their personal stories and insights on the backstory of Huichol art.
Pier’s fascinating article includes comments from artisans Higinio Hernandez Carrillo, Miguel Díaz and his wife Angeles Gonzalez, and Tunurima López.
In Pier’s article, Díaz explains: “Our art is born from the Wixarika worldview, from the ancestral and spiritual knowledge of our ethnic culture…. The first memories I have are the advice of my grandparents when they taught me this art. Before creating anything, I had spiritual knowledge and then I put it into art objects. Wixarika art allows us to show the mythology and intangible heritage of my ancestors and all of our Wixarika culture.”
Artisan Angela Gonzalez adds: “I love to teach, to make known that we have a cultural wealth that is invaluable. I want to share how much beauty we have in Mexico, as a culture that still preserves its practices and customs. I’d love for people to know that the designs on the bracelets and in everything we do have a cultural meaning.”
Read the full story in People Are Culture, here.
