safaritravelsmexico

[safaritravelsmexico]

Saturday, June 1

Day 9, Saturday, June 1

Visits to local designers along with the Textile museum allow us to see the talent of today and the design genius of yesterday.  

The social justice event I observed was the local demonstration on behalf of a young lady who was killed after asking questions about the local government.  The community joining together to fight peacefully about injustices was refreshing, since quite a few young ladies go missing without resolution.

The most significant artisan to me during the whole trip was the Navarro family in that they were free creatively and did not let societal norms dictate/limit their creativity or determine their financial stability.  I must be open and draw creativity from my surroundings, cultures and not let commercialism dictate or limit my abilities.   

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 8, Friday, May 31

Tour of the archeological site, Monte Alban and Centro de las Artes, where beautiful photography was displayed.   

The visit at Marietta’ s challenged all of us to be socially aware and not just sit, but become actively involved rather than only interested in the superficial elements of fashion. 

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 7, Thursday May 30

The Navarro Family was the most interesting family to date during visit.  The family is forward thinking, light hearted and full of joy.  The sisters are meticulous on the back strap loom, while the brother is a creative thinker and artist while painting the psychological thought processes of male and female relationships. It was wonderful seeing older single women independent and providing  a lucrative service to the community and world via trade shows and internet.  

The visit with the Sosa family gave historical credence to the tour of Monte Alban and the cities of Mesoamerica.  The wood carvings were beautifully made, painted with the finest detail.

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 6, Wednesday, May 29

Learning the Zapotec story from Rodrigo and Gil Hernandez along with understanding the complicated process of using the weaving machine.  However, seeing the science and plants required to make the natural dyes from the Gutiérrez family was the most interesting part of the day.  The family is socially conscious and chooses to teach others how to be environmentally friendly and not use chemical/synthetic dyes.  They are able to sell products in Mexico and other places via internet.  Today was the most socially conscious and fashion oriented day.   

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 5, Tuesday, May 28

Travel to Oaxaca and check into Hotel Marques del Valle with a visit to a local graphic artist.  Dinner with Marietta was lively, including thought provoking conversation.

The city is beautifully colored and lively.

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 4, Monday, May 27

Shoe last maker was the most significant event for the day. Employs at least 80 personnel and  incudes a six step process to create a last.  Company has made shoe lasts for Shequel O'Neil.  The company is environmentally friendly and recycles plastics and water to be socially conscious. They are able to sell products in Mexico and other countries and do not seem to be restrained in any way.

Other fun events include lunch prepared by a professional chef and visits to local shoe merchants, chapel and market.

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 3, Sunday, May 26

Sinda shi was the highlight of the day, with it’s chic store and colorfully painted clothing pieces...and the sale prices were impossible to resist!  The owner is able to sell in store and online at fairly reasonable prices for such unique items. 

Worship, food, clothes and fun...what else could a girl ask for?

On a day like today, social justice was the freedom seeing the locals and myself with the freedom to do all of the above leisurely.

[safaritravelsmexico]

Definitely, Baby Chairs

Day 2, Saturday 5/25

Keep reading

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 1 was awesome! The most significant event was that we had an opportunity to work with our UIW, Mexico sister school and other fashion design students.  The students were so receptive and willing to share with us their designs for an upcoming show.  Each of us were paired with sister students to find out a little about one another.  The students included Maria, Magdiel, Sinai, Sofia, Lupita and Claudia.  The President spoke to us about the future construction of the campus, design opportunities in Bajio and future collaboration projects with the San Antonio Campus.

The Visit to ANPIC convention center was nice, however it hard to understand fully what went on there as it was filled with vendors and a bit overwhelming without a translator.  Luckily Nicole was able to interpret some of the questions we had for the vendors and found that vendors such as Victoria (shoe trimming for name brand shoes) are looking for designers to assist with design their own independent label.  The vendors we visited were able to trade their products equitably.

Friday, May 24…Day

[safaritravelsmexico]

Day 2, Saturday 5/25

Day 2, in San Miguel was beautiful.  The buildings are beautifully colored and the Cathedrals are stunning inside and out.  We visited a toy museum that displayed various toy categories such as chess games, airplanes, and ferrous wheels that were wonderfully made and painted.  

A social injustice noticed was that little children were taught to beg for money by parents directly or indirectly.  It’ s hard to say no to a small adorable child when asked for money and the children were being used to pull on the heartstrings of passerbyers. 

[safaritravelsmexico]

Friday, May 24...Day

[safaritravelsmexico]

We made it to Mexico safe and sound. Going thru security in Mexico was definitely an experience.  The have a few other rules than we do....I think I got the extra special pat down...lol!  

[safaritravelsmexico]

Thursday, May 23...Departure Day

Adventures begin before we even get on the plane to Mexico.

#mexico

[safaritravelsmexico]

Safari Discovers Mexico

FMGT 4392, Study Tour, By SJS