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Cherry Heart Alebrije-Style Wood Heart Key Fob

Cherry Heart Alebrije-Style Wood Heart Key Fob

Regular price $23.95
Sale price $23.95 Regular price
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SKU: SKU: SK-NVC-386174

Product Features
Working with Fair Trade certified organizations is an important part of what we do. This product is made by artisans that are fairly compensated for their skilled work, and helps provide a living wage as well as safe work conditions.

This darling key fob is hand crafted by Mexico's Claudio Ojeda. The heart-shaped fob is carved of copal wood and painted by hand in the style of alebrijes, colorful folk art sculptures of animals. It is attached to a stainless steel key ring and chain. The artisan signs his pieces with the initials 'T.C.', which represent his initial 'C' preceded by his mother Teresita's initial 'T'. Claudio learned the art of crafting alebrijes from his mother.

  • materials: Copal wood, stainless steel
  • Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
3.3 in. H x 1.6 in. W x 0.7 in. D

Artisan Information

Claudio Ojeda

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Update (July, 2019)

"My mother, Teresita Gonzales, also a featured artist, and I began working with you in 2018.

"It's been a real adventure, since we've been able to introduce our work to more people and my sales have increased. We have grown as artisans, preserving one of the most beautiful traditions of Mexico, alebrijes. We carry on the very clear mission of sharing the nahual tradition with each one of our hand-painted sculptures, which I have been creating since I was a boy.

"I'm very happy to work with you, and for the opportunity to showcase my heart ornaments in the National Geographic catalog. Sales have soared since that time.

"Since we began working with you, we've become more perfectionist and strict with ourselves. And we received two honorable mentions from FOFA in the areas of sculpture and painting.

"We imbue our designs with energy, passion, and a beautiful promise to share our work and talent. More than anything, our alebrijes preserve traditions that reflect more than a century of history. One of our trademarks is a textured finish that is visible in each sculpture.

“We continue working with a variety of designs and colors in order to fulfill everyone's needs.

Original Artisan Story

"My parents are also artists in the tradition of the Mazatec and Zapotec peoples in Oaxaca. When I was a boy, I enjoyed helping my mother around the house. I was very shy and the target of bullying. When was 12, I took martial arts classes and, thanks to that, I learned to be disciplined and believe in myself. However, a few years later I hurt my knee and broke my clavicle, and couldn't continue.

"When I was six, my mother began teaching me to make alebrijes, which are small and fanciful figurines whose form is dictated by natural branches. This was a legacy that marked my life. I wanted to learn the stories of alebrije artisans. Later, I became interested in crafting them myself. My mother was very patient when she taught me this craft.

"In high school, I met my best friends. Mother was very strict, which helped me excel in my studies, be conscious about my attitude, reaffirm my values, be a good student and get along with people. These lessons have helped me develop the potential of my mother's art.

"While learning, I felt like an amateur. My mother was a very demanding teacher. She taught me to envision the finished sculpture so I could prepare the wood properly. She taught me to paint the figures with love so each one could have a life of its own. Learning the fundamentals wasn't enough. It was necessary to bring all my experiences to this art. My designs and painting technique have evolved over time. I used to paint in abstract and cubist style but now, my painting uses more shading.

"My sculptures are crafted in the same way as traditional alebrijes, but I felt I had to do something different. I think bulls are admirable and emblematic. They symbolize power, honor and strength, and I began making alebrijes in their likeness.

"Since 2013, I've participated in cultural events for museums and foundations at the national level. I still live in Oaxaca, which is the birthplace of copal wood alebrije art. I've continued developing my technique and also work with my mother. I want to demonstrate the principles she taught me through my crafts, which are loyalty, honor, respect for the family and love for my work. I believe that every day is a struggle and, in that struggle, alebrijes are our guardians.

Supplier Information

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NOVICA was started with a dream to create a better world for artisans, because a better world for artisans is a better world for all.

Along the way, the founders of NOVICA discovered something very important - as artisans around the world succeeded, there was also a visible and profound impact on the communities around them.

Your purchases are that powerful. They directly and indirectly provide for education, help with health care, fund basic needs, support children, preserve disappearing arts, and of course, spread happiness around the world.

The founders of NOVICA had a vision of the future that is not one of mega factories producing cookie cutter products for all to cheaply consume. Instead, a bright future that celebrates artisans who take the time to create an item by hand. A future where time is protected, where stories are told, where unique details are honored. Love, respect, inclusiveness become driving force.

Shipping

United States shipping only. Expedited shipping is unavailable. Allow for 1-2 days extra processing time. This product may ship separately from other products in your order and may have longer than normal shipping timelines as it will ship directly from its country of origin.

Returns

All sales of this product are final -- we do not accept returns or issue replacements unless there is a defect with the product. Please review our Returns & Exchanges policy.

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