art
you
can
walk
on
every thread
tells a tale
At El Huizache Studio we weave every rug with a story to tell. Each thread, each color, and each pattern is like a verse in a poem, a note in a melody, or a brushstroke in a masterpiece. Our rugs are more than textiles; they are narratives woven into existence, each one a unique testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Zapotec community.
Our signature lies in the meticulous craftsmanship of our skilled artisan family, who pour their heart and soul into every piece they create. Each rug is handwoven on a treadle loom, a process that requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of traditional Zapotec weaving techniques.
The result is cultural heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature.
The vibrant colors of our rugs are derived from natural dyes made from earth's elements like the Cochinealbug, Indigo Plant, Wild Marigold Flower, Pecan Shell, Pomegranate, Zapotec Fruit, Huizache Bean, and Moss from Trees. Each dye adds a unique hue to our rugs, making each piece a unique work of art that tells a story. The process of dyeing the wool is a poem in itself, a dance of color and texture that results in a symphony of hues.
Each rug is a celebration of the beauty of nature, a tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the Zapotec community, and a testament to our commitment to sustainability. When you invest in a rug from El Huizache, you're not only buying a product; you are becoming a part of a story that spans generations.
Our rugs are "art you can walk on," pieces of history that you can touch, feel, and experience. They are a connection to the past, a celebration of the present, and a promise for the future. Each rug is a tale waiting to be narrated, a poem to be read, or a song to be sung.
At El Huizache, we weave stories, and we invite you to become a part of our collectors of narratives, experience the beauty of Zapotec weaving, and discover the stories that lie within each thread.
Welcome to our studio where every rug is a story, and every story is a masterpiece.
our process
The creation of our rugs is a dance that begins with the selection of high-quality wool, spun into a yarn that sings with potential. The yarn is then bathed in natural dyes, each adding a unique hue and note to the symphony of colors that will become our rugs.
The dyed yarn is then woven on a treadle loom, a process that requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of traditional Zapotec weaving techniques. Each rug is a testament to the weaver's passion for their craft, a piece of art that tells a story of cultural heritage, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature.
a statement from the artist
Alejandro Mendoza, a gifted weaver and artist, hails from the historic Zapotec village of Teotitlan del Valle, cradled in the picturesque landscapes of Oaxaca, southern Mexico. He is a torchbearer of his grandfather's legacy, the El Huizache Zapotec Rug, which has evolved into the El Huizache Studio.
A twist of fate led Alejandro's family to Orange County, California, during his teenage years. Despite the geographical shift, he remained tethered to his origins, shuttling between his Orange County studio and Oaxaca. These commutes sustained his artistic pursuit and enriched his cultural understanding.
The blend of Mexican and American experiences widened Alejandro's horizons, underscoring the significance of preserving and showcasing weaving traditions.
During college, Alejandro enjoyed a pivotal stint working alongside his uncle, Antonio Mendoza, a master weaver. Under Antonio's guidance, his skills blossomed, and his passion soared.
A transformative juncture came with Alejandro's union with Veronica. Together, they embarked on a shared mission: conserving their heritage and breathing life into weaving traditions. Their joint efforts in their Orange County home studio and the Oaxaca family studio birthed splendid woven pieces and dyed wool yarns and gave form to their artistic vision.
Today, Alejandro Mendoza radiates as the epitome of artistic brilliance, effortlessly weaving the threads of ancestral heritage and contemporary ingenuity. He relentlessly champions the ancient Zapotec weaving tradition through his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, seamlessly blending his father's legacy with his distinctive artistic perspective. Alejandro's remarkable odyssey stands as a luminous inspiration for all who ardently safeguard their cultural heritage and ardently share their creative gifts with the world.
