Veronica Mendoza Antonio
Weaving

Veronica Mendoza Antonio weaving when she was 4 years old Veronica Mendoza Antonio weaving when she was 4 years old Veronica Mendoza Antonio was born and raised in Oaxaca and began playing with thread when she was just four years old. She would come home from school and run to the backstrap loom her mother taught her to weave on.

Veronica Mendoza Antonio handwoven purse Veronica Mendoza Antonio handwoven purse At a very early age, she began showing her work in the Mercado Artesanias (Artesans Market). After entering her work in a judged show, Veronica won the opportunity to go to Acapulco to demonstrate her craft to Queen Sofia of Spain and Lady Elena Poniatowska. Her photo as a little girl weaving was on the cover of an international cultural magazine when a Californian reporter met her and saw her work.

Veronica Mendoza Antonio handwoven purse Today, Veronica is 22 years old and weaves the finest and most delicate work available anywhere. Taught to weave incredibly delicate designs with the thinest of threads by her aunts, weaving commonly purchased in the marketplace which is much heavier, does not touch the intricacy of Veronica's work. Her art is complicated and requires endless patience and therefore, not many weavers engage is this type of weaving.

Veronica makes her own natural dyes, all her designs are original, and she has won three national prizes for her purses, bracelets, table runners and small rugs. I recently purchased brass bracelets that have Veronica's finely woven "friendship" bracelets inset in the top. When I first saw them, I thought it was a paper insert - the design and thread is so fine, I never would have imagined it to be weaving. Veronica's work exemplifies the best of what Mexican folk art has to offer.

This is Veronica's first time at Feria Maestros del Arte. I think her craft will amaze and delight patrons. If you are interested in purchasing Veronica's work, call Marianne Carlson at 011522 376 765 7485 or email mariannecarlson@gmail.com