When Cindy, of Paper Parasol Press, mentioned to me that she wanted to visit Mexico City, I couldn’t resist saying “Let’s go!” I’ve always held a deep appreciation for the Mexican culture, artwork and food, and with my birthday approaching, I wanted to experience it all. It was everything I hoped for and more: from strolling the streets of Roma, to the Sunday antique market, I couldn’t get enough. It seemed as though everywhere we went there was an abundance of artists, from illustrators to print makers, and everything in between.

We sought out Macolen, who features, as well as manufactures, the ever-charming form of printing Risograph. I did not travel to Mexico City expecting to happen upon the Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory of prints. However, as I stepped inside the space, I was pleasantly and endearingly surprised; stacks upon stacks of beautifully illustrated work surrounded me. I almost couldn’t take it! The place was so full of amazing works of art, hundreds of illustrations, that my awestruck eyes didn’t know where to go! I had to focus, as I did not anticipate this many treasures, all in one place.

Questions ran feverishly through my head, “How do I get these home? How many? Which ones?...” and I began to picture these pieces in my store, how the lines and colors would brighten everything around them, in addition to customers’ faces. Luckily, the guys at Macolen were super patient, as I picked up (with fervor and through deliberation) dozens and dozens of designs...all of which can now be found at Inkling! I’ll definitely be back to Mexico City, finding--and sharing--more of my treasures with you.

New Artwork at Inkling by Alejandra Ballesteros

Frida Kahlo’s Paint and Palette, La Casa Azul