Interview

• Have you mastered any specific techniques?

  All the western styles of weaving – with a specific interest in ethnic weaves, with primitive tools amazing results are often achieved. Once I have mastered the technique, I take time to digest that technique to create a work of art, giving it my own spin.

• What are your specialisations?

  Wayuu Si’ira weaving. I wrote a book about this endangered craft from Venezuela. I am also very interested in Libyan Baghnough and patterned cushion weaving; Syrian tent band and silk weaving; Omani camel girth weaving; Venezuelan Alpargata weaving, as well as ancient techniques from Mesopotamia; Taqueté and Samitum.

• How do you innovate in your work?

  I use traditional techniques and give them my own ‘twist’ by using new, coarser materials and weave on a modern dobby loom. Or I simply use a technique in a different way such as weaving Alpargata patterns as lettering onto banners with old Christian names I found on graves in my village.

• Can you name a memorable moment from your professional life?

  My first trip to the Wayuu tribe. I lived amongst them for two weeks, sitting on a stone eight hours a day as grandmother Cantus showed me the technique with rapid fingers. I managed to get half a belt woven; months later I returned to show my finished belt and they accepted me as one of the family.