Ángel Avis Melo
Espartero de Plata
Basketweaver
Cáceres, Spain
A life woven in esparto
- Ángel weaves sculptures with esparto grass fibre, hemp thread and wood
- He lives and works in Extremadura, surrounded by the forest, animals and a vegetable garden
- He is one of the few practitioners keeping esparto weaving alive in his region
Ángel Avis Melo, a forest warden and gardener, was captivated by esparto weaving during a trip to the Alpujarra mountains in Granada. He first learned his practice from a craftswoman in the region, then refined his technique with masters in Albacete and Murcia. The care with which they worked the fibres and their determination to revive this ancient art inspired him to leave his job and devote himself to the craft. Originally from Trujillo, Ángel established his home workshop on a smallholding in the forests of Valverde del Fresno. "Weaving with esparto grants me freedom, a connection with nature and the chance to create in harmony with my surroundings," he says. "My practice has taught me the importance of returning to our roots and sharing a more ecological, healthy and environmentally conscious way of life."
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I like the direct and constant contact with nature. For me, the act of braiding becomes a continuous mantra. It is a meditative process that allows me to develop my creativity surrounded by my animals and the forest. I am also proud that my natural objects act as alternatives to products made of plastic, a material that causes so much harm to our environment.
I make traditional everyday objects, such as baskets for fruit or firewood, as well as decorative pieces. Where earlier generations had to focus strictly on survival, we now have the freedom to bring craft into our homes simply for the joy of its beauty.
I hope my pieces convey that human beings are an inseparable part of nature. Esparto is a material that our ancestors worked with for millennia. It is important to me to convey this message of unity, respect, tradition and culture, to rescue those teachings and keep alive ancient wisdom.
My craft thrives in regions where esparto grows naturally, such as Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha. However, it is practically extinct in Extremadura. One of my goals is to contribute to its preservation by creating and hosting courses and workshops. I aim to raise awareness about the importance of keeping this art alive.
Ángel Avis Melo
Espartero de Plata
Basketweaver
Cáceres, Spain
ADDRESS
Address upon request, Cáceres, Spain
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+34 601630933
LANGUAGES
Spanish, English
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