Impression and expression, both are quickly becoming ingrained into the DNA of Basalto Collective, whose philosophy is to emphasise the artistry of Mexico, before coalescing it with contemporary design. They are also two idioms that are continuously being sculpted, forged, and created, by the designers its founder, Paulina Reséndez chooses to platform. Below, she speaks with Bubblegum about Basalto Collective’s founding, the symbolism of creation, time-transcending philosophies and how each is taking it within and beyond the country’s borders.
Paulina, it’s so exciting to have an opportunity to speak with you on behalf of Bubblegum Club. To kick things off, it’s explained that Basalto Collective’s philosophy is to “spotlight the boundless creativity of Mexico, harmoniously merging it with contemporary design, empower local designers, and safeguard the time-honoured craft traditions of Mexico.” I’d like to particularly concentrate on your interpretation of “contemporary”, “time-honoured”, and how both have coexisted, and coexist, within Basalto Collective.
Dear Sabrina, it’s such a pleasure to be speaking with you and Bubblegum Club. I’m excited to delve into Basalto Collective’s philosophy and share our journey of blending contemporary design with craftsmanship.
The coexistence of “contemporary” and “time-honoured” at Basalto Collective is at the heart of our philosophy. I see them as complementary rather than opposing forces. Contemporary design, to me, is about innovation and pushing boundaries while remaining deeply connected to cultural heritage. Time-honoured traditions provide the foundation—the techniques and processes passed down through generations that define the soul of each creation.
This balance is reflected in the work of the designers I collaborate with, who share a passion for reinterpreting traditional processes within a modern context. Their pieces connect the past and the present through materiality, processes, and techniques. Through Basalto Collective, I aim to create a platform where these stories can resonate globally, demonstrating how craftsmanship can inspire and enrich contemporary design.
Whilst the organisation’s practical modus-operandi appears to be rooted in time, it’s name comes across as overcoming, even transcending through it, especially as it takes it’s ingenuity from “basalt” which is a “volcanic stone” that “carries profound significance” within the country’s cultural heritage. What is it about this mineral in particular that catalysed your draw to it and in your opinion does it particularly reflect on the relationship between the man-made and ecological elements of design?
As you mentioned, basalt holds deep cultural significance in Mexico, but it is also found worldwide. This dual nature—rooted in local heritage yet universally present—made it the perfect metaphor for the values of Basalto Collective. Like basalt, I want Mexican design to transcend borders, becoming a connecting thread that allows people around the world to experience the beauty and depth of Mexican craftsmanship through a contemporary design lens.
Basalt, a natural material shaped by geological processes, embodies strength, resilience, and timelessness. When transformed by human hands into purposeful creations, it highlights how natural resources can be both honored and thoughtfully integrated into design. It serves as a reminder to create with care, drawing inspiration from the earth while crafting objects that resonate with modern life.
Are there facets of the country’s identity that its craft and design fields speak to in ways that, perhaps, other spaces or practices can’t? What drew you to these fields in particular and how is this commitment acted upon through each designer you’ve selected to work with? I noticed, for instance, there appears to be a lived experience associated with each designer’s creation and the buyers go on to inevitably join in with them.
Craft and design uniquely speak to the tactile and tangible, connecting us through materials while preserving the stories, techniques, and processes passed down through generations. They are inherently functional and intimate, becoming an integral part of our daily lives. This accessibility allows craft and design to reflect Mexico’s vibrancy, warmth, and resilience in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
My background in industrial design has always fueled my interest in human connections. I’ve always been fascinated by how a product can evoke emotions and tell a story, creating a bond between the maker and the person who interacts with it. When someone brings a handcrafted piece into their home, they’re not just acquiring an object—they’re becoming part of its journey. This connection fosters a mindfulness that makes craft and design so powerful—they are both deeply personal and inherently communal.
For me, working in these fields is not only about preserving heritage but also about adapting it to modern contexts so it can thrive and resonate with new audiences. This philosophy is reflected in the designers I work with—creators who collaborate closely with local workshops, use traditional techniques, and imbue their work with profound meaning while reinterpreting it in a contemporary context.
I’d like to keep the momentum of the previous question going a bit further with this one and ask whether you believe craft and design to be symbiotic or independent of one another? Does one inform the other within Basalto Collective, or is the appreciation for them entirely separate?
For me, craft and design are inherently symbiotic. Craft provides the soul—the human touch and the story—while design brings purpose and functionality. At Basalto Collective, this relationship ensures that each piece is not only meaningful but purposeful.
By honoring both craft and design, we foster connection and mindfulness, ensuring each creation resonates deeply with those who engage with it.
You introduce the designers you present as “skillfully blending tradition with contemporary design” whilst also pointing out “they share a passion for crafting pieces that tell Mexico’s story, infusing every creation with a touch of authenticity.” Where do each of these creators complement or contradict one another, not only in their practice, but also in the personal and communal influences that equip them?
The beauty of Basalto Collective lies in the diversity of its voices. The designers I collaborate with embody this balance beautifully. Their work often blurs the line between art and design, seamlessly combining traditional techniques with modern forms to create something timeless yet relevant.
Each designer has a unique strength, whether in working with different materials or creative processes. Some focus on stone, while others specialize in wood or metal. It is these contrasts that make the collective greater than the sum of its parts. Delving deeper into each creator’s process is always fascinating, as their concepts and inspirations bring more depth and meaning to each piece.
One beautiful concept behind one of our pieces is the Bar Cabinet Carmen by Comité de Proyectos. This collection arises as a reaction to gender violence, seeking to raise awareness of how we relate to one another and our surroundings. It serves as an ode to the act of caring, expressed through ornamented, character-like forms.
These differences among the designers are what define Basalto Collective. The designers complement one another, creating a harmonious yet dynamic whole.
During our Echoes exhibition, we worked with both Mexican and Swiss designers, where the contrasts became even more pronounced. Yet, rather than opposing each other, these differences complemented one another, sparking meaningful conversations about the role of craftsmanship in today’s world.
The interplay between these two perspectives was palpable. The natural materials, manual processes, and storytelling elements created a harmonious dialogue, while the differing approaches challenged each designer to explore new possibilities. This dynamic tension is what makes Basalto Collective so exciting—it’s a space where diverse perspectives come together to create something truly unique.
Basalto Collective also made its introductory appearance at Zürich Design Week with its staging of ‘echoes’ earlier in September. Of course, this came to fruition through your efforts and those of DT22, who you worked alongside to emphasise the “dynamic design scenes of Mexico and Switzerland” by harmonising “the traditions of Mexican craftsmanship with the meticulous precision of Swiss design.” Can you speak further on how dynamism ‘echoes’ through preservation and vice versa?
The name echoes, captures the resonance of tradition within contemporary design. It’s about honoring stories from the past while adapting them to remain relevant in the present. Preservation and dynamism are two sides of the same coin—preserving traditional techniques ensures their longevity, while reinterpreting them allows them to connect with new audiences and contexts.
Pairing Mexican craftsmanship with Swiss design allowed us to explore how these traditions could coexist and enrich one another. Preservation became an act of evolution, demonstrating that tradition isn’t static but alive, adaptable, and full of possibilities.
When we brought Mexican and Swiss designers together, the connection became tangible. Mexican craftsmanship stands out for its bold expression, use of natural materials, and reliance on techniques passed down through generations. Swiss craftsmanship, in contrast, is known for its precision, technological innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. By combining these approaches, we didn’t just highlight their differences—we showed how they complement and inspire one another, creating something greater than the sum of their parts.
The exhibition invited visitors to see how tradition and modernity can work together. It celebrated heritage while opening the door to fresh possibilities, showing that craftsmanship is alive, evolving, and deeply relevant. In the end, echoes wasn’t just about the pieces on display —it was about sparking conversations on how craftsmanship bridges cultures and shapes the future of design.
There were ten designers that participated in the show, five from each country. How were they in dialogue with one another there, in spite of the continuing differences within their approaches? Was there a particularly universal perspective of craftsmanship that carried itself throughout? How do you believe these transformed from creator to creator?
The ten designers and one artist engaged in a creative dialogue, embracing both their differences and shared values. By including a diverse group of participants—spanning architects, researchers, industrial designers, and artists—the exhibition fostered a rich exchange of ideas, blending expertise from distinct fields. This diversity highlighted contrasts while creating opportunities for deeper connections, enriching the overall conversation.
Despite varied approaches, from entirely handmade processes to advanced industrial techniques, the participants shared a dedication to craftsmanship, natural materials, and storytelling. This universal respect for craftsmanship allowed their work to resonate across cultures, bridging their unique perspectives. By combining these voices, the exhibition celebrated how diversity and shared values can coexist to create meaningful, timeless work.
