Cecilia Velásquez

D’Coralia

Embroiderer

©Harold Triana_Cholao Estudio

A family heritage in open work embroidery

Cecilia hand embroiders home linen open work in her workshop
She taught needlework to Cartago’s prison inmates
Cartago exemplifies Colombia’s long-standing embroidery tradition

Cecilia Velásquez, one of Cartago’s most reputed embroiderers recalls her early experience with her craft through the dresses her grandmother and mother made for six sisters and herself. The geometrical patterns of her designs are a constant reminder of her masters. Franciscan nuns at school also relayed the art and technique, instilling strict precision to students like Cecilia. She learned from them the importance of a perfect finish. D’Coralia is the workshop that Cecilia opened in 1978, and today it enlists apprentices regularly to ensure the precious craft is preserved. Cartago’s embroidery tradition is threatened by mechanical production. Cecilia is convinced that institutional policy and protection are necessary to motivate transmission and safeguarding of this heritage.

Where

Interview

©Harold Triana_Cholao Estudio

©Harold Triana_Cholao Estudio

What is your craft’s relationship with heritage and tradition?: It has been transmitted down through the generations since Colonial times. I learned from my grandmother and mother. Cartago’s economy revolves around embroidery, and we have a responsibility to preserve and transmit this know-how.
How did you start working professionally with embroidery?: I initially opened my workshop and store in 1978, tailoring home linen and curtains, but included embroidery as a signature product in 1988, specialising in open work.
What brings passion and motivation to your work?: I consider any family embroidered cloth as a piece of patrimonial value. Restoring these to bring them new life is a source of joy and great satisfaction for me.
What was a memorable moment working with your craft?: Artesanías de Colombia and renowned fashion designers commissioned me and another colleague to embroider a Tree of Life for Pope Francis’ visit to Colombia. This was a great honour.

Cecilia Velásquez is a master artisan: she began her career in 1978 and she started teaching in 1988