Rita Martins Pereira

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Weaver

©Rita Martins Pereira

Colours in motion

Rita uses a manual wooden loom to weave all her textile pieces
She focuses on the vibrancy of colours and diverse fibres
Her work is expanding from wearable to decorative textiles

Rita Martins Pereira thanks her secondary school textile teachers for instilling in her the passion for weaving. “They touched my heart. The courses were given in an exciting atmosphere, a big weaving studio with lots of looms.” She went on to study fashion design only to return to weaving. “I felt happiest weaving, so I invested in a loom and opened my workshop," she explains. Determined to sustain her craft activity, the artisan has also followed entrepreneurial courses. To complement her wearable pieces, Rita now welcomes interior decorators and clients to her atelier where they can access her loom and consult an array of samples of fibres and threads for inspiration. Currently, Rita is working on an interior design project for a UK-based five-star chain hotel opening soon in Lisbon.

Interview

©Rita Martins Pereira

©Rita Martins Pereira

When did you decide to become a professional weaver?: In 2015 I bought a plastic loom in a toy store to experiment. After a few days playing I knew I wanted to go further, to explore materials and textures, so I needed a real loom. I already loved weaving, but realised then that I wanted to weave for a living.
What draws you to manual weaving?: I love the ability to work with colours in motion, the warmth of the fibres and their textures as well as the infinite colour combinations. I love the smell of textile in the studio when I weave as well as the sound and rhythm of the loom.
Can you describe a weaving moment in your workshop?: I like to weave barefoot as I feel more connected that way. The whole process is really quite meditative, the repetitive sound of the manual loom, like an instrument that makes my body dance as slowly a vibrant textile piece comes to life.
How is Portugal’s rich textile heritage reflected in your work?: Portugal is recognised for its textiles made in linen, silk and wool and has a rich embroidery, weaving and tapestry heritage. I am certainly influenced by my roots. I use a manual wood loom and I innovate in my material choices and different trends.

Rita Martins Pereira is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1994 and she started teaching in 2023