Oaxaca's Center of Design developed the project "Creative Binomials: Artisans + Designers 2013" to create Neo-handcraft design products that will positively impact artisans from this Mexican region. This was a productive process involving designers based on dialogue and new opportunities for fair business trade.
The project consisted of creating different teams, each integrating two experienced designers with a well-developed craft orientation and artisans from various communities in the state. Through this collaboration and the support of Oaxaca's Center of Design, the resulting products have embodied values that respond to market trends and current public demands.
The craftsman I was assigned to work with was Jose Hernández and his wife, Petra Mendoza, both from Teotitlán del Valle. They operate a workshop called "Casa Viviana," where they continue a three-generation tradition of crafting traditional beeswax candles. I collaborated with Jesús Nieva García, a local design engineer, to develop these pieces and conduct the research that supported our work.
Mr Jose presented us with a challenge that soon became the primary focus of our project: to discover a way to preserve the colour, hardness, and brightness of bee wax while preventing dust accumulation, a common issue due to wax's tendency to attract dust easily.
Our investigation revealed that exposure to sunlight and heat were the primary factors contributing to these challenges. Through thorough research, exploration, and experimentation, we identified alternative materials and processes to address Mr. Jose's concerns effectively.
Initially, we incorporated a natural additive derived from pork fat to enhance the wax's hardness and stability. To achieve a brighter finish, we polished the hardened wax with a silk cloth and applied a thin layer of alcohol to repel dust effectively. The most remarkable outcome of our exploration was the extensive range of vibrant colour families we produced.
Simultaneously, we innovated by creating new flower shapes and refining existing designs for Mr. Jose. In collaboration with Oaxaca's Center of Design, we devised a refined manufacturing process that prioritized quality in the candle finishing while streamlining production time, enhancing Mr. Jose's productivity.
A diverse colour palette and its combinations were ultimately established alongside various plates tailored for the candles.
