by Found Natural Goods Founder and Curator, Jacqueline Smith
On the plane ride home from this most recent trip south to México, it occurred to me that this was my 11th time in the country. Which kind of shocked me. Granted, it's over the course of 31 years––my first trip being at 8 years old. Most of my trips have been centered around seeing and being with my family, and when I was much younger. But, as an adult, I've kept coming back. Every trip totally different in intent, destination, duration––but all so familiar.
This last trip was about one-on-one time with my guy, a break from the to-do list, some reprieve, and lots of good food and lots and lots of warm sun. We were successful in choosing no Christmas gifts for each other this year––but an experience, together!
All are handmade by Méxican artisans of all mediums, selected by hand one-by-one for their combined beauty, function, and originality.
While on the beach, or eating, or walking, or running, or just heading off for drinks and dinner––I'm confronted with the arts everywhere I look. Arts not meaning fine art, or expensive, or even intentional. The resourcefulness, the hard-working, the handmade, the hands-on, and many, many textiles and colors of the country are undeniable. Visually, it's always so pleasing––which is hard to type out because the poverty is also so undeniable too.
Suffice to say, touching everything the always kind Méxican vendors put in front of me and dipping into every store was calling my name, quite loudly! I became awash by the idea that I could support these makers while finding beautiful, original works of functional art, and bring them home to share. Ones guided by FOUND NATUAL GOODS' way -- "beautiful goods found in nature: eco home goods, handmade jewelry, and organic beauty products."
And so, I did! Look what I've found! All one-of-a-kind things I'd keep myself if I wasn't a minimalist at heart. They are here to be shared with you all. I hope you find them as unique and special as I do. All are handmade by Méxican artisans of all mediums, selected by hand one-by-one for their beauty, function, and originality.