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Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda
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“Hello, we are Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda.
“My wife and I were fortunate that our parents were masters of this craft. When I married my wife, she and I began to work together and share our ideas, knowledge and love for this art: the wonder of making alebrije sculptures.
“Now, instilling the enthusiasm of our work in our daughters and family is a great experience, because in addition to teaching, we never stop acquiring knowledge and new…
Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda
“Hello, we are Gerardo and Teresa Ojeda.
“My wife and I were fortunate that our parents were masters of this craft. When I married my wife, she and I began to work together and share our ideas, knowledge and love for this art: the wonder of making alebrije sculptures.
“Now, instilling the enthusiasm of our work in our daughters and family is a great experience, because in addition to teaching, we never stop acquiring knowledge and new techniques. We are very proud to continue this family tradition, and are willing to put all our effort, dedication and life into making these handicrafts.
“Copal wood is the main material for the elaboration of alebrijes. We use various tools such as machetes, knives, gouges, sandpaper, acrylic paints and brushes. Wood carving requires patience and care to avoid accidents with the machetes, knives and gouges. During the elaboration, my wife dedicates herself to the carving of the piece and its decoration. Our nephews sand the pieces, and my daughters have begun to acquire mastery in the “anchoring” technique, which consists of polishing the piece for a better finish.
“We want to capture the love for our culture, the beauty of nature through its colors and convey a story in each piece, accompanied by our feelings and dreams. In general, I like to make small pieces. They take time and require more precision, but the result is amazing, unexpected. More elaborate animals, such as the opossums, are challenging.
“Finally, we want to support our community. As artisans, we participate in the reforestation of copal wood, which they carry out every year. I have been fortunate to exhibit my work. Today, I am very proud of everything we have achieved.”
Products (27)
Handcrafted Folk Art Alebrije Sculpture 'Orange Deer'
Yellow Orange Dominant Rhinoceros Alebrije Sculpture 'Cautious Amber Rhino'
Handmade Bird Alebrijes Pair 'Dancing Toucans'
Purple Crouching Cat Alebrije Figure with Henequen Whiskers 'Purple Pouncing Cat'
Artisan Crafted Bird Alebrije Sculpture 'Purple Quetzal'
Purple Sleepy Lion Alebrije Carving with Detachable Tail 'Insomniac Lion'
Blue and Turquoise Whiskered Cat Alebrije from Oaxaca 'Blue Pouncing Cat'
Green and Blue Oaxacan Mother Turtle Alebrije with Babies 'Turtle Mom Taxi'
Black and White Rhinoceros Alebrije Wood Carving from Oaxaca 'Cautious Black and White Rhino'
Hand-Painted Wood Alebrije 'Golden Fox'
Blue Tipped White and Black Owl Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca 'Frosty Owl'
Multicolor Copal Wood Alebrije Dog Figurine Made in Mexico 'Vibrant Canine'
Hand-Painted Green Copal Wood Mockingbird Alebrije Figurine 'Mockingbird of Luck'
Fair Trade Day of the Dead Wood Alebrije Xolo Dog Figurine 'Xolo Dog'
Multicolored Wooden Bird Alebrije Sculpture 'Orange Quetzal'
Turquoise and Black Mouse Alebrije Figure Signed by Artisans 'Little Black Mouse Perez'
Mexican Wood Bird Alebrije Sculpture 'Green Quetzal'
Handmade Oaxacan Wood Alebrije 'Red Coyote'
Red and Blue Arched Cat Alebrije Figure from Oaxaca 'Crimson Cat'
Hand-Painted Alebrije Figurine 'Merry Martian'
Handmade Wooden Alebrije Statuette 'Fierce Jaguar'
Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Blue Wings from Oaxaca 'Blue Winged Owl'
Black and White Penguin Alebrije Figures from Oaxaca Pair 'Happy Emperor Penguins'
Hand Carved Owl Alebrije with Rosy Wings from Oaxaca 'Rose Winged Owl'
Blue and Teal Alebrije Cat with Star-Like Patterns on Body 'Celestial Cat'
Artisan Crafted Wood Alebrije 'Yellow Coyote'
Handmade Copal Wood Alebrije 'Green Deer'
