Diego Viviescas

Canastos Don Nico

Basketweaver

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In his grandfather's footsteps

Diego’s handcrafted baskets are the living memory of Don Nico
He uses pedroalejo, a creeping plant, to weave his creations
He uses his engineering background to inform his craft

Diego Viviescas thinks of his grandfather, Nicodemus Viviescas “Don Nico”, as his father. He celebrates his 91 years of life in each word he speaks about him. He recalls how Don Nico used to take him to water his favourite fruit trees when he was a young boy, even though he could barely carry a tiny water container. Diego feels fortunate to have witnessed his grandfather’s experiments up until he was 15 years old. After that, Diego started experimenting with different fibres, until he discovered that the pedroalejo (rattan) fibre was the most versatile one to make unique baskets. Today, he applies the knowledge he has as an engineer to strengthen his craft as a business, aiming to preserve the knowledge he acquired from Don Nico.

Interview

When and how did you actually start?
I remember how my grandfather laughed when he told me that he was becoming a weaver at 78, having lived his life devoted to farming and building stone fences. I inherited his curiosity, and one day, having experimented with various types of vines, I discovered that the pedroalejo creeping plant, was the most flexible fibre.
Do you master any specific techniques?
In the workshop, I have learnt to weave by making the knots that the baskets need, to have a firm structure. Today, I am experimenting with new products. Several of these are lamps: wall lamps and large lamps to hang from ceilings.
How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
Since my grandfather died, I have aimed to keep his legacy alive by respecting the techniques and designs created by him, but I have also worked on the creation of new techniques. By experimenting with the raw material, watching how it behaves under different conditions and trying new combinations, I have brought innovation to my chosen craft.
What plans do you have for the near future?
I want to use the experience and knowledge I have as an industrial engineer, to come up with a logistics model focused on the transportation of my wares, to continue expanding my business. My drive is unstoppable and the generational changeover has brought a new energy to my grandfather's business.

Diego Viviescas is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2010 and he started teaching in 2019