Javier Medina

Basketweaver

Eco-friendly art

Javier specialises in handmade sun mirrors and straw animal trophies
His work combines tradition, modernity and avant-garde design
He organises and promotes collaborations between artisans

One spring day in 2017, American actress Sarah Jessica Parker entered a cozy workshop in Malasaña, a hip district of Madrid. Fascinated by the woven bull, rhino, reindeer and deer heads hanging on its walls, she met the artist, bought two of his 'ecological trophies', took a selfie with him and posted it on the internet. Thanks to Parker’s Instagram post, Javier S. Medina’s work now commands international attention. His eco-friendly items, woven from the native grasses of Spain, are popular among actors, models and diplomats. He's come a long way since moving to Madrid from Badajoz, Extremadura, with dreams of becoming a successful artisan and restorer, setting up his first studio in a garage he renovated in the style of an old-school workshop.

Interview

©Richard Schultz

©Richard Schultz

Why did you choose this particular craft?: I have always liked creative work, art and craft techniques. As a child, I remember my grandfather often working with natural fibres on the patio of his house. I first learned from him, then I studied restoration with Marisa del Real when I arrived in Madrid.
What techniques do you use?: I learned braiding techniques using natural grass fibres such as esparto, enea and pleita with craftsmen from my region and other parts of Spain. I make the ecological trophies with a shoemaker’s needle. I create the mirrors with a burin, knife, hammer and scissors.
How is your craft linked to Spain?: Where I come from, the natural fibres I work with are still present in everyday objects. I wanted to do something that said who I am, where I come from and what my story is. My 'ecological trophies' are a nod to the bullfighting world without harming the animal.
How do tradition and innovation influence your work?: My goal is to revitalise traditional crafts and combine them with other sectors, such as fashion and interior design. One example is the handcrafted jackets I made in collaboration with fashion designer Carlota Barrera. Fortunately, craftsmanship is once again becoming more and more valued.

Javier Medina is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2019