Multi-colored silk flowers raining on to a Mexican wedding dress defines the work of Faustina Sumano García. She was born in 1940 in San Juan Chilateca, which is situated approximately 40 minutes from Oaxaca and San Antonina. A place with a longstanding tradition in embroidering of dresses, shirts and blouses, San Antonina has extended its influence to the villages around Oaxaca. The Sumano sisters are two of the remaining artists who live in the neighboring pueblo of San Juan Chilateca.

Faustina began to embroider at the age of six, as did all the girls in the school she attended. Faustina claims that she has learned the techniques out of necessity. She loved embroidering right from the beginning. She created her first wedding dress when she was 27 years old.

The difference between Faustina and other artists is that she works on the entire process: she does not assign separate parts to different people because, in her opinion, the work will vary from person to person and so the piece will be compromised. Therefore, she cuts the fabric, designs the figures, embroiders and sews the dress together. Her creations are unique using various techniques - she is a true maestra of her art.

Faustina is featured in "The Great Masters of Oaxacan Folk Art" published by Fomento Cultural Banamex.

11, Col. Centro

San Juan Chilateca, Ocotlán, Oaxaca

951 528 1081