FROM MY MEXICAN ROOTS

Hi, my name is Irasema Fernandez. The idea for this project began in the first months of last year after having changed residence from Tamaulipas, Mexico to Saint Petersburg, Florida. Being Mexican, I wanted to create something that spoke of me, who I am, where I come from and which highlights the culture and heritage of my country.
It is for those reasons I chose “Talavera” ceramics as the main base for the creation of my candles. You may wonder why the name Maria Bonita? Well, my beautiful mother is named Maria Guillermina and it is because of her and her encouragement that I enjoy creating art. As a young child my mother taught me the crafts handed down to her from her parents and generations of family members. It was she, with her dedication and effort who made me the person I am today and finally, through this project I am able to honor her because she is my “Maria Bonita”. Grateful to God, to life and to this country that opened its doors to me and gives me the freedom to be me, to dream, to fight and enjoy what is done with the heart.