Maria Sigma

Weaver

©Rocio Chacon

©Yeshen Venema Photography

Natural tones, natural focus

Maria weaves interior, fashion and art pieces
She repurposes her waste materials, in line with her zero-waste philosophy
She is passionate about the technical part of weaving

During Maria Sigma’s first degree specialising in textile conservation, she studied historic woven, kneaded and embroidered pieces. This led her to discover different traditional Greek techniques of weaving on a small frame loom. At Chelsea College of Art and Design and interning with the Greek master artisan Ismini Samanidou, Maria specialised in hand weaving. She received the Clothworkers’ Foundation Award which provided her with a space, some looms as well as business support and training. “There are many memorable moments in my professional life in terms of collaborations and projects, but I think having my own loom was a really great moment because it was quite difficult and expensive. To have the one I really like gives me the opportunity and freedom to make what I want.”

Interview

©Dunhill Dan Weill Photography

©Rocio Chacon

What is your specialisation?: I mainly work with natural materials and try to get the rawest version possible, undyed and unprocessed but spun into yarn. I use the least water possible and keep waste to a minimum. I repurpose waste-yarns to stuff cushions.
How is your craft linked to your homeland?: My Greek heritage has an influence as it has a huge tradition of weaving and knitting. Living in the United Kingdom, I work with British naturally dyed wool that represents the land with their colours, the greys, the yellows, the browns.
What does well made mean to you?: Materials should be ethically-made in all respects, not just natural. The final piece should be priced to ensure that everyone involved in the making is paid appropriately. Finally, well made is something that lasts.
What is the purpose of craft in your opinion?: The purpose of making in general is to re-engage, go deeper into the union between your mind, hands and body in a creative way that connects you to your thoughts and emotions. It is proven that practices with repetitive steps help de-stress.

Maria Sigma is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2017