Carmen Aguilar

"When my husband left me and I was wondering what kind of work I could do, I thought of these two hands. Today, I embroider the traditional motifs of my town."

"I was born in July of 1964 in a small Tzeltal Maya community in the highlands of Chiapas. I work hard. I face the challenges life brings me and I trust in God.

"When I was ten, my grandmother began teaching me to embroider. I've practiced every day since then. When my husband left me and I was wondering what kind of work I could do, I thought of these two hands. Today, I embroider the traditional motifs of my town.

"I love what I do and I've taught my sister, my sons and my mother-in-law to embroider. If someone thinks my work didn't turn out well, I don't get upset. I just do it all over again.

"I work on my own, by myself. I'm not going to let anything stop me from getting ahead and, by selling my embroidery, I can survive.

"It feels wonderful to be able to help preserve my community's textile arts. My materials are cotton fabric and colorful cotton threads. My inspiration comes from the emotions I feel and also from the faith in God that I have.

"One of my dreams is to be able to travel and meet more people."