Xaquixe

Achieving sustainability is not an easy task. However, Xaquixe, a Oaxacan glassblowing studio that excels at producing incredible pieces of art, has taken to this community-friendly practice in stride. Co-founded by Salime Harp Cruces and Christian Thornton, experts and promoters of artistic expression through glass, Xaquixe’s contribution to the ecosystem and surrounding indigenous communities has been astounding. Xaquixe’s success has led to having their own gallery in downtown Oaxaca, as well as having their pieces commissioned on major projects all across Mexico.

All of Xaquixe’s products are made of recycled glass. Glass bottles are donated and then cleaned by hand at the studio. The entire facility is powered by a complex and cutting-edge methane combustion system that involves the use of donated vegetable oil and pig slop. Environmental sustainability is only the beginning.

The workers at Xaquixe come from many different communities in Oaxaca. Taught by Cruces and Thornton, these workers, with little to no prior education, have found a space to develop into incredible artists. Their willingness to learn the trade and dedication toward their work have not only brought income and desirable skills into their respective villages but have also brought forth accolades and a familial atmosphere to the Xaquixe studio. Winning Mexico’s National Workers Award in 2014, the glass blowers continue to amaze in their ability to consistently adapt to the competitive industry.

Believe it or not, there is more to Xaquixe than its stunning glass pieces. Xaquixe has developed a not-for-profit organization focused on installing alternative energy systems into local pueblos (villages). Teaching pueblo members how to maintain the systems from within, Xaquixe’s not-for-profit organization aims to spread sustainability one village at a time, in a culturally relevant way.

“At the base of the mountain.” This is what the Zapotec word “xaquixe” means. The studio is an exemplary model of how to take on the mountainous task of sustainability. The workers’ dedication and love for their ahead-of-the-game designs results in a product that is truly breathtaking.

The Team

José Ramón Ortigoza

Hometown: Magdalena Apasco Etla, Oaxaca Time with Xaquixe: 3 years