Camila Puya de Arcos

Margaret de Arcos

Silk painter

©White Mirror Studio

©MATRIUSCA STUDIO

Colours in silk

Camila learned the craft from her mother
Silk painting is a tradition in her home region of Andalusia
Colours are part of her daily life

Camila Puya de Arcos is the creative director and master artisan of Margaret de Arcos, a Sevillian firm specialising in hand-painted natural silk with a history of more than 25 years. She is the second generation of artisans in this firm that continues to bear the name of her mother "Margaret de Arcos." Her region, Andalusia, has a long tradition in the production and sale of silk, dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. In her studio, Camila works with silk, investigating all its possibilities and applying this ancient fabric to different pieces and shapes, such as decoration.

Interview

©ALVARO SOTO

©White Mirror Studio

Do tradition and innovation go well together in your work?: I refer to tradition in the ancestral technique of silk painting. I express innovation in the design and application of this technique, in different objects. There is also our ability to understand the weaving and to know what is its best form of expression.
What do you enjoy most about your work?: I think what I enjoy most is the expression of colour through silk and the many possibilities that silk has. Also, the reaction people have when they see, understand and appreciate our work.
How do you strive for excellence in your work?: Our quality standards have always been very high, it seems fundamental to us and it is one of our hallmarks: the quality of our silks (we use very high-quality silks and different silks for each type of product), their good finish and impeccable presentation.
Do you remember a memorable moment in your career?: When my mother, Margaret de Arcos, was named the first master craftswoman of Andalusia in 2012. And also, that thanks to the change of generation the company can continue and evolve for many more years.

Camila Puya de Arcos is a master artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2017