Deconstructing Gender in Jewelry Part IV
WJA NY Metro + WJA Miami + Queer Metalsmiths
present
Conversations on Diversity: Deconstructing Gender in Jewelry Part IV
Hear Her Story
In celebration of Latina/x/e Heritage Month, join us for the fourth installment of our Conversations on Diversity: Deconstructing Gender in Jewelry series, Hear Her Story. This virtual event, hosted by WJA New York Metro, WJA Miami, and Queer Metalsmiths, will focus on the artistic journey of Omar Monroy (they/she), the visionary behind El Techichi Jewelry.
Omar, a Trans-nonbinary Oaxacan immigrant of Ñuu'savi descent, uses her creative practice to honor her heritage through stunning gender-neutral, maximalist jewelry. El Techichi Jewelry is more than adornment; it is a love letter to Omar’s heritage, inspired by Mexico's ecosystems, Ñuu'savi artistry, and the femme people in their life.
Led by Tracey Carswell (they/them) of Powerful in Pink and Queer Metalsmiths, the conversation will explore Omar’s experiences as a transgender and non-binary Indigenous artist navigating the jewelry industry. She will share about her experience, including biases she has encountered, the struggles she has overcome, and the role of allyship in her success. Through this conversation, we not only celebrate Omar’s artistry but also amplify the voices of queer and trans Indigenous and Latina/x/e creators.
About the Artist:
Omar Monroy (they/she)
El Techichi Jewelry
New York, NY, USA
Omar Monroy, originally from Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, is Trans-nonbinary Ñuu'savi artist who crafts El Techichi jewelry. They are inspired by their roots and rejecting gender norms, to create maximalist, gender-neutral pieces.
Artist Statement:
“As a Trans-nonbinary Oaxacan immigrant and artist of Ñuu'savi descent, I, Omar Monroy, embrace EL Techichi as my creative medium to honor heritage and craft unique jewels. My journey, born in Iztapalapa, Mexico, and raised on Ñuu'savi Land in La Ciudad Heroica Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, led me to Lenapehoking (Lower East Side in NYC), where I now call home.
My creations are maximalist and gender-neutral, rejecting colonial gender constructs. I believe adornment serves to elevate and connect us to our deities, transcending imposed limitations. With EL Techichi, I aim to celebrate opulence.”
Follow Omar on Instagram at @eltechichijewelry and visit their website at eltechichijewelry.com.
About the Moderator:
Tracey Carswell, Powerful in Pink
Tracey Carswell (they/them) is a queer non-binary artist, educator, coach, and curator dedicated to empowering leaders and building inclusive communities. They are the founder of Powerful in Pink, a creative brand that offers coaching, small business support, curation services, and community building opportunities for artists and entrepreneurs.
Tracey also co-founded Queer Metalsmiths, a community space that honors, centers, and uplifts 2SLGBTQIA+ jewelers and metalsmiths. Through their work at Powerful in Pink and Queer Metalsmiths, they invest in the growth and success of women, femme, queer, transgender, and gender non-conforming leaders in the jewelry and craft industries.
Follow Tracey on Instagram at @powerfulinpinkbytlc @queermetalsmiths and visit their website at traceycarswell.com
Watch the entire conversation here.
