Driven by curiosity and experimentation
- Mariadela combines tradition and innovation in her work
- Her creations are inspired by art, life in the city and her endless travelling
- She makes pieces in different formats, from functional objects to installations
Mariadela Araujo Jerez is a textile designer by training and education. But she also considers herself a craftswoman and artist, with a clear creative vision and a mastering of the production process through various techniques. Throughout her career Mariadela has also been a consultant and mentor to students, acting as a tutor in the different steps of the weaving process. Textile work is a source of inspiration for her and has been a passion since her teenage days. At that time, embroidery caught her attention too, giving her a broad perspective for her future. Mariadela is a weaver, her specialty being the high-warp loom, however she is always willing to accept challenges. In the last two years, she has turned to using digital tools to create either NFTs or AI-generated imagery based on her own textile creations.
INTERVIEW
I would say working with threads is what drives my daily work. I delve into their manipulation and transformation, inspired by colours to determine shapes and volumes, creating a connection with space and time.
More than training apprentices I like to think that I train knitters, thinkers and problem solvers. I like to encourage them to develop and find their personal style, being authentic and without copying. It is very rewarding.
I consider myself first and foremost a weaver. I am specialised in the high-warp loom, although in my day-to-day work I also work with embroidery, the tufting gun, crochet and basket weaving, collaborating with local suppliers I have a close relationship with.
To experiment and to combine tradition with innovation. I love being in my workshop, creating and making, not afraid of the endless hours that are behind the production of a piece, bearing always in mind that when the result is sincere I have achieved my goal.
