Colectivo Quemona is the heart and hands of Martín Hernández Cruz, born in 1965 in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán. From the age of 12, Martín’s love for artisanal craftsmanship began, learning the magic of paper mache alongside his brothers, who guided and inspired his first steps as an artist. In the 1970s and 1980s, his older brothers moved to San Miguel de Allende, carrying their dreams and crafts, selling fruit, vegetables, and hand-made paper mache masks. Their small business flourished, and soon Martín joined them, weaving his own path into the vibrant artisanal world of the city. Over time, each brother found their unique voice, creating their own pieces, styles, and visions.
Martín’s hands began to explore beyond paper mache, creating enchanting nichos, hand-painted wooden wonders, and delicate milagros infused with color, devotion, and skill. Every ornament tells a story; every detail is a heartbeat. His workshop is a place of shared creativity, where artisans pass each piece from hand to hand, layering love, magic, and care into every creation.
Today, with three storefronts and a lively workshop, Colectivo Quemona shines across the world. Martín celebrates the joy of seeing his work recognized, each piece a testament to ancestral knowledge, playful creativity, and the pure love of making something by hand.
