Sandra Avelino

Safay Country

Basketweaver

©Sandra Avelino

©Artesanías de Colombia

Upcycling newspapers into baskets

Sandra constantly researches and prototypes to introduce new techniques to her craft
Unread newspaper is her prime source of raw material
Most of her apprentices come from women cooperatives in her community

Sandra Avelino is a vehicle for transition, like her hometown, Chía, an intermediate city between fast-paced Bogotá and its neighbouring countryside. As she ventured into basket weaving, she became aware of the difficulty to access natural fibres where she lives. However, a fortunate experience with paper weaving technique spurred Sandra to transform what she had at hand. The fast-growing trend of digital content leaves stacks of unread printed newspaper and Sandra decided to upcycle it into beautiful basketry that many take for natural fibre. Transforming newspaper into wicker-like strands became her obsession. Once Sandra perfected her technique, she dared to be more innovative, and she now regularly prototypes novel decorative and utilitarian objects.

Interview

©Sandra Avelino

©Sandra Avelino

When do you recall was your first contact with your craft?: I used to go to the town market with my grandmother when I was little, and I always marvelled at the basket stand. I could spot all sorts of shapes, fibres, and sizes. Most people used them to carry the groceries they bought.
When did it actually become your livelihood?: A good friend convinced me to attend one of Artesanías de Colombia’s call for works. My first trial was not successful, but the second time around I was commissioned for a set of lamps. From then on, Artesanías de Colombia has been my major supporter, championing my innovations at the annual Expoartesanía fair.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I am inspired by traditional basketry works, though my main concern is to perfect the resistance and malleability of the paper I work with, for it gives me the potential to try unconventional designs.
Is there something about your work that people usually do not know?: People normally assume my work is done with natural fibre, but are incredulous when they find out it is paper. They immediately touch and explore the object, trying to find a trace of the original newspaper. The mere discovery of a letter will spark an “aha moment”!

Sandra Avelino is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2003