Pardon a bit of history here... In Junior High I entered a new school in a new town, and began the process of learning a new language- un nuevo idioma.
Little did I imagine how this change would enhance my life and spark a love for not only beautiful expression through a foreign language, but its culture and people. Spanish became my second language and I strive to honor its people and artistry.
Which brings us me to the subject of this post, the exquisite beauty of handcrafted talavera Mexican tiles.
Just a decade ago, we made our first trip to Puerto Vallarta and met the artisans at Mundo de Azulejos (literally translated World of Tiles- isn't that fantastic!?). We bought a few as keepsakes and presents for family, and Beth carried each tile home in her carry-on to avoid any risk of breakage. She earned double margaritas that day.
Fast forward to 2018, designing our cocina, and these tiles have earned a special highlight as a kitchen backsplash. The curved pattern of the tiles reminds us of the movement of the tides, the ocean, the wind- take your pick. These tiles belong in Maine!
Little did I imagine how this change would enhance my life and spark a love for not only beautiful expression through a foreign language, but its culture and people. Spanish became my second language and I strive to honor its people and artistry.
Which brings us me to the subject of this post, the exquisite beauty of handcrafted talavera Mexican tiles.
Just a decade ago, we made our first trip to Puerto Vallarta and met the artisans at Mundo de Azulejos (literally translated World of Tiles- isn't that fantastic!?). We bought a few as keepsakes and presents for family, and Beth carried each tile home in her carry-on to avoid any risk of breakage. She earned double margaritas that day.
Fast forward to 2018, designing our cocina, and these tiles have earned a special highlight as a kitchen backsplash. The curved pattern of the tiles reminds us of the movement of the tides, the ocean, the wind- take your pick. These tiles belong in Maine!
But... we don't have enough and need to purchase more to match what we had remaining on hand. Between emails and phone conversations, all in Spanish, I talked with the artists who tracked down that original design and exact size (they are considered borders- fronteras) and unearthed their final 12 in the warehouse. Arrangements were made for shipping and international payment (trust me, banks just LOVE wiring money to Mexico for "tiles"- wink wink). We held our breath until finally, several months later, the shipment arrived direct from west coast Mexico to downeast Maine.
The box was heavy, and took two to open. We feared tiles might be cracked, but the packing was so well done that not one had even a scratch! Each tile had been carefully wrapped, and arrived in perfect condition. Que lindos!
What a joy to finally bring these azulejos to their new home. They will always remind us of a cultural exchange through language and art, and the beauty that can transcend from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean.
The box was heavy, and took two to open. We feared tiles might be cracked, but the packing was so well done that not one had even a scratch! Each tile had been carefully wrapped, and arrived in perfect condition. Que lindos!
What a joy to finally bring these azulejos to their new home. They will always remind us of a cultural exchange through language and art, and the beauty that can transcend from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean.
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Bienvenidos a nuestra cocina |
What a wonderful post! I love that you have shared some of the history of the loving care you both have put into building this home and also given us a notion of how beautiful it is today. Even more, I love the glimpse into knowing more about the people themselves who have made the house what it is! Thank you for including us in your journey.
ReplyDeleteMaking a house a home. Love the history behind the art!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tiles.
ReplyDelete