Porfirio Gutiérrez: Artist Talk

Renowned Zapotec weaver Porfirio Gutiérrez, 38, learned his craft from his father at the age of 12, continuing a trade in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico that has been in his culture for thousands of years. A quarter century later, while weaving is still a source of income for some Zapotecos, many have opted for modern techniques that save time and money over the old ways, like chemical dyes instead of natural dyes made from plants, minerals and insects. Meanwhile, most youngsters no longer grow up weaving due to school or other opportunities. Gutiérrez retains a passion for his ancestors’ weaving techniques and will share them Wednesday at the UCLA’s Fowler Museum.