Isabel Martins

Basketweaver

©Isabel Martins

©Passa Ao Futuro

New beginnings

Isabel discovered the art of “bracejo” during a workshop
She made a career change to follow a new path
She embraced the unknown to acquire an artistic skill

Isabel Martins opened her studio Brace’Arte in 2019 in Malcata, a town in the centre of Portugal. The soft-spoken 62 year old courageously left an administration job without a plan, only certain that she needed a change. She enrolled in a basket weaving craft workshop, which instantly sparked her interest. She learned the traditional techniques from one of the few local basketweavers, and later felt confident to create more modern shapes. Her pieces can be found at craft fairs or online. Her participation as a master artisan in the Portuguese basket technology Summer School, launched by Michelangelo Foundation in partnership with the Portuguese Ministry of Culture in 2019, confirms it was worth seeking a new beginning.

Interview

©Isabel Martins

What material do you use for basketweaving?: It is a bunchgrass, scientifically named Stipa Gigantea, that grows abundantly in the Malcata region. I forage it myself from June to August, collecting and drying the amount I need yearly which I store in pallets with holes to prevent mould.
Where does your inspiration come from?: I wanted to be a stylist when I was young and enjoyed handicrafts such as knitting. I certainly draw inspiration from these creative activities. The traditional bracejo shapes are also very inspiring as well as the wild nature in my region.
What do you love most about your craft?: The feeling of deep relaxation when I work bracejo. I also love the fact that the material has a “mind” of its own. I might be trying to make a shape that is not adequate, forcing me to think differently and find a solution that will work.
How was the Lisbon summer school basketry experience?: It was incredible to spend time with other Portuguese basket weavers sharing different techniques and materials. The exchange with the design students and mentors was rich, we learnt from each other and the gestures of our hands did most of the talking.

Isabel Martins is a master artisan: she began her career in 2012 and she started teaching in 2018