Amongst stall after stall of weavings that looked identical, Alicia’s and Evaristo’s innate understanding of colour coupled with a curiosity to push the boundaries of traditional techniques immediately caught our attention. We share a love of tuna (sweet fruit of the prickly pear) sorbet

Alicia and her husband Evaristo were one of the first families we started working with in Oaxaca, Mexico. Despite the lengthy commute to their home, requiring a forty-minute collective ride followed by a moto-taxi ride followed by a twenty-minute walk in the blistering sun, we never fail to smile as the family open their door to us. Come to think of it, some of my best memories have been spent with their family.

Both Alicia and Evaristo work full time weaving rugs and have been doing so for 30 years. They have a humble working studio above the house that overlooks the picturesque Teotitlan valley. They share two looms and are hoping to teach their eldest son Erik the skill of rug weaving that has been passed on to them from endless generations before them.

Recently Alicia began experimenting with natural dyes, which she loves because she never knows exactly what she is going to get. She sheepishly shows us a dying “mistake” which when woven creates a unique finish that we love.

Despite Alicia’s shyness (she blushes at any complement), she is a good businesswoman and an inspiring artist, her work has meaning and has a unique point of difference to the majority of weavings coming from the village. Always dressed beautifully in a decorative apron, popular with the women of the village.

On one of our many visits to her home, Luke lent his camera to Alicia’s three children and the results are hilarious.