Dazzling, impressive, distinguished and sexy are some of the adjectives used to describe the creative talent of Teresa López Jiménez from the Zapotec region of the isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca.

Teresa uses cross-stitch and traditional embroidery to embellish fabric and regional huipiles (woman's dress/blouse), transforming each piece into a work of art. She uses the same methods as have been used for centuries in her area. The huipiles are reminiscent of pre-Hispanic times, with typical designs and all embroidered by hand with floral designs of brilliant colors - all reflecting the character of the women of the isthmus. After all the embroidery work is done, she uses a machine to make the geometric designs in silk yellow and red silk thread.

Teresa is originally from Juchitán (place of the flores in Zapotec) and is considered to be one of the finest artisans in her field. Learning her craft when she was small, Teresa has been working for 40 years at her art.

For her embroidery and hand weaving work, she uses a needle or a hook, and a frame which holds the fabric taut to prevent folds or creases. She then draws the design. The most important part of her work is the design of each flower and the colors chosen. The Singer sewing machine she uses for the geometric designs was the first in Mexico brought here during the Porfiriato (time when José de la Cruz Porfirio Díaz Mori (1830 – 1915) was a Mexican War volunteer, French intervention hero, and the President of Mexico continuously from 1876 to 1911).

Teresa works in her taller (workshop) with six of her sisters and her sister-in-law who are part of a family group of 12 that help in the making of these beautiful garments. With each stitch, they keep alive their traditions and bring beauty into the world.

Teresa is featured in the new book, "Great Masters of Oaxacan Folk Art," published by  Fomento Cultural Banamex.

Reforma 14, Manzana 7

Agencia Municipal de San Luis Beltrán, Oaxaca de Juárez

951 520 3672 home, 951 505 0849 cellular