Red Diamonds - Huichol beaded bracelet

"I was born in 1966 in a small Huichol town in the Mexican sierra. Our traditional Huichol beadwork jewelry and beaded animal figurines embody our cosmovision through colors and they convey the many beliefs and elements in my world, my roots and traditions.

“When I was a year old, my father died and my mother had never worked outside the home. Those were difficult times. As a boy, I had to find a way to make a living or work short and practical jobs. When I first saw my brother-in-law craft our Huichol designs, I was fascinated! I felt a real necessity to learn and, little by little, I began creating designs with my own color combinations.

"Today, I have nine children and they also do beadwork. They're the only ones to whom I've taught these techniques. They know how to make everything — bracelets, earrings, necklaces and figurines. They work from home while I go out to sell our work. Sometimes, my wife accompanies me. We take the bus to cities in the region and to towns where tourists congregate. The only thing we take with us are bags to carry our artwork.

"What I enjoy the most about my craft is creating the figures like deer and other little animals. I glue the beads with beeswax and it allows them to stick to the parota wood. The figure that takes the longest to make is my large deer sculpture.

"I'm always inspired by nature and by my family. I smile when I see that our jewelry and figurines are valued and appreciated.

"Despite all of the adversity I've faced, I'm happy because I have my family. I love them and I know they love me, too."