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Jesus and Roxana Hernandez
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Latest update
“We have dedicated ourselves to this activity since we got married and formed our workshop 22 years ago. We joined Novica in 2016, at an event in Tlaquepaque where they learned about our work.
“We learned to improve our quality, to be more demanding with our finishes, to improve our production processes and to be much more innovative. In addition, financially we have managed to have constant sales and a considerable increase in…
Jesus and Roxana Hernandez
Latest update
“We have dedicated ourselves to this activity since we got married and formed our workshop 22 years ago. We joined Novica in 2016, at an event in Tlaquepaque where they learned about our work.
“We learned to improve our quality, to be more demanding with our finishes, to improve our production processes and to be much more innovative. In addition, financially we have managed to have constant sales and a considerable increase in our production. There have been difficult times such as the months of the pandemic, for example, in which we have managed to get ahead. On that occasion, it was vitally important for us to maintain production and the work team. We were afraid that we would not be able to achieve it, but thanks to our sales on Novica, production was not reduced and therefore our work team did not see their salary affected.
“Thanks to Novica, we currently have a steady and secure income. We also have access to interest-free loans and payment facilities. We are proud of all the learning we have obtained since we joined Novica. Thanks to this, we can now share our experience with other fellow craftsmen, motivate them to increase the models that come to Novica, and share our experience with them to motivate them to grow and have good results, having the success that we have achieved.
“The microcredits have been very good because they help us grow and improve our workshop or grow our production plant. We are very happy to belong to the Novica family, a world-class company where we feel supported and valued.”
Original Artist Story
Jesus and Roxana Hernandez come from a Zapotec community in Oaxaca. "In our village, most of the men and women are wood-carvers and we specialize in Mexico's traditional alebrije sculptures. These are colorful and fanciful figures carved from natural branches that depict all kinds of strange and wonderful animals and imaginary creatures," Jesus explains.
"When we set up our workshop, the panorama didn't look good but we had so many dreams. We wanted to craft only large alebrijes with special motifs. These, of course, are worth more. But the problem wasn't making them. The problem was selling them. Not many shoppers purchased them and we became discouraged. So the first two years were rough for us.
"But then we were invited to participate in a public event that the governor attended. We gave a demonstration of carving and painting and he came over to see what we were doing. He recognized the value of our work and congratulated us. And he also bought the biggest alebrije we had — a bull. We were thrilled! It was a wonderful opportunity to introduce ourselves because we were mentioned in newspapers and magazines that covered the event.
"From then on, we approached the public institutions that promoted popular art contests. We began to participate and won prizes, which gained recognition for our workshop.
"We have four children, who bring us much joy. We spend all our free time with them, whether flying a kite or taking a walk in the countryside. We want them to learn our art and to preserve and spread it. But more, we want them to grow up happy and proud. We are teaching them our craft and also teaching our cousins, nieces and nephews.
"Mastering the art of alebrijes requires practice, discipline and much love. We use copal wood for our designs. We dry, treat and sand the wood before painting the motifs by hand. Roxana is expert at decorating the sculptures and her delicate hands convey beauty, from fine geometric patterns to flowers. Her designs are unique and elegantly detailed.
"We're an artisan family and we strive to improve our skills day by day. We believe that 'nothing ventured, nothing gained.' So we take on the challenge of creating innovative designs, and we experiment with different materials, some more complex than others.
"Thankfully, we are now able to offer work to our artisan neighbors. This is important in preserving our culture and tradition as well as generating a source of income. But more than that, we help stop the migration of artisan to cities to find work, and we contribute toward making our community more prosperous."
Products (48)
Handcrafted Alebrije Coyote Sculpture in Vibrant Hues 'Blue Howl'
Handcrafted Alebrije Coyote Sculpture in Warm Hues 'Warm Howl'
Hand-Painted Melon Copal Wood Alebrije Snake Figurine 'Melon Hiss'
Hand Painted Deer Alebrije Sculpture 'Bold Deer'
Handmade Owl with Ear Tufts Alebrije Figurine from Mexico 'Nocturnal Mystery'
Copal Wood Red Multicolor Alebrije Hummingbird Ornament 'Fanciful Flutter in Red'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Armadillo Figurine 'Delightful Armadillo'
Hummingbird Alebrije Home Accent Hand Crafted in Oaxaca 'Vibrant Hummingbird'
Copal Wood Yellow Colorful Alebrije Hummingbird Ornament 'Fanciful Flutter in Yellow'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Coyote Figurine 'Coyote Charm'
Painted Strawberry Copal Wood Chameleon Alebrije Figurine 'Chameleonic Strawberry'
Copal Wood Buffalo Alebrije from Mexico 'Magic Buffalo'
Hand Carved Copal Wood Multicolored Armadillo Alebrije 'Kaleidoscopic Armadillo'
Wood Alebrije Hummingbird Ornament from Mexico 'Natural Flight'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Armadillo Figurine 'Exquisite Armadillo'
Wood Monkey Alebrije Figurine Carved and Painted by Hand 'Excited Monkey'
Handmade Folk Art Armadillo Alebrije Sculpture 'Brilliant Armadillo'
Wood Alebrije Chicken Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Chickens'
Cat Alebrije Figurine from Mexico 'Relaxed Cat'
Hand-Carved Hand Painted Wood Rooster Alebrije Figurine 'Striking Rooster'
Handmade Alebrije Goat Figurine 'Bold Goat'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Camel Alebrije Figurine 'Joyful Camel'
Hand Painted Turtle Sculpture 'Serene Turtle'
Handmade Copal Wood Axolotl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico 'Blue Axolotl'
Wood Alebrije Camel Figurine in Vivid Colors from Mexico 'Colorful Camel'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Turtle Figurine 'Exquisite Turtle'
Wood Monkey Alebrije Figure Hiding His Eyes From Oaxaca 'Monkey in Chaos'
Wood Alebrije Figurine Cat in Green from Mexico 'Cat Stretch'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Armadillo Figurine 'Armadillo Delight'
Painted Wood Alebrije Fish Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Fish'
Handmade Dog Alebrije Figurine 'Playful Pup'
Copal Wood Alebrije Carving of Multicolored Monkey 'Surprised Monkey'
Painted Wood Alebrije Whale Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Whales'
Mexican Hand Painted Terracotta Hue Wooden Skull Figurine 'Death and Folklore'
Alebrije Winged Heart Copal Wood Ornament from Mexico 'Winged Turquoise Heart'
Multicolored Alebrije Coyote Figurine with Geometric Motifs 'Howling Coyote'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Owl Figurine from Mexico 'Owl Delight'
Handmade Alebrije-Style Ornaments Set of 4 'Oaxacan Sunset'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Camel Alebrije Figurine in Grey 'Cheerful Camel'
Painted Wood Alebrije Duck Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Ducks'
Copal Wood Heart Shaped Ornament from Mexico 'Wings of the Heart'
Hand-Carved Copal Wood Owl Alebrije Sculpture from Mexico 'Dream Vision'
Wood Alebrije Penguin Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Penguins'
Hand Painted Wood Ornaments Set of 4 'Oaxacan Christmas'
Wood Alebrije Coyote Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Coyotes'
Artisan Crafted Wood Alebrije Ornaments 'Oaxacan Sunrise'
Handcrafted Copal Wood Alebrije Bird Ornament 'Hummingbird Song'
Wood Alebrije Rabbit Ornaments Set of 5 from Mexico 'Sweet Rabbits'
