Close Window

Martha Vargas

"Hi, I'm Martha Vargas. I was fortunate to have been born in Pátzcuaro, the home of artists and artisans. And so as I grew up, I watched people transforming wood, silver and textiles into pieces of beauty. I even saw the small silver fish in the lake become jewelry. I enjoyed the fragrance of cotton and the rhythmic sounds of handlooms. And I discovered the recipe to becoming a designer in the School of Design of the National Institute of Fine Arts (INBA).

"For more than 30 years I enjoyed myself with threads, colors and forms, weaving and printing textiles. Working with fabrics, I created my first jewelry as a child. I went on to work with clay and then with precious metals and gemstones. In the INBA School of Handicrafts, I learned to work with silver and give it form as my own collection.

"I use the lost wax technique, with oxidated finishes in some designs, as well as shapes cut from silver sheets. I set them with earth elements such as wood, bone, seeds and crystals, transforming them into designs of my own inspiration. I then refine the intricate details and polish each piece.

"I've participated in a number of events where I received awards for my work. I won the design competition in silver and crystal 'Mexico, Third Millennium.' Courvoisier nominated my work in their 'Acknowledgment of the Best in Fashion 2004.' I also took part in 'Tendencias de Joyería' (2004 and 2005), 'Fashion Week Mexico' (April 2004), and many, many national and international fairs and exhibits. In addition, I have created special jewelry collections for museums such as the National Museum of Anthropology and History, the Franz Mayer Museum and the San Idelfonso Museum."

This soliloquy best describes Martha's attitude toward her work: "Today I have the freedom and time to be myself and a passion for what I do, the peace to open a sea of forms and, with their droplets, make jewelry.
"Today I soar like a bird along my path and look at the stars as beads to string.
"Today, with these hands, to the rhythm of my woman's heart, I model the materials of the earth and mix silver, wood, stones and crystals, adding bursts of light.
"I reached the top by walking slowly, only to observe that there is much more road to travel.
"Each day I grow in fullness and outside myself, in every necklace and every piece that goes its own way."