Artesanía builds off of 8-months I spent in Chile in 2011, working with VOZ, an ethical fashion collective founded by Jasmine Aarons (’08), that seeks to empower marginalized, indigenous Mapuche women in rural Southern Chile.

As a Product Design major, I am particularly interested in how objects are created, and I was stunned by the beauty of the artisans’craftwork. They are true masters of their craft, which is largely local, all-natural, and sustainable.  Artisans create weavings that feature culturally significant symbolism, for example, using hand-spun yarn usingal wool from sheep in their backyards, which they dye a rainbow of colors using everyday plant matter. Unfortunately, the precarious future of these practices alarmed me.  Despite the tremendous value of specialized knowledge to local communities, rapid social homogenization makes it less economically sustainable to rely on craftwork for income.  Until relatively recently, these skills were fundamental to human existence. I am concerned that unforeseen risks will surface if these basic skill sets are not preserved.

Listen to Audio Clips

Interview with Jaime Rebolledo, Silversmith

Interview with Marta Isabel Huitraiñan Aillapán, Weaver

Process

A Stanford Arts Institute Spark! Grant provided me with the original seed funding to collect objects and stories to temporarily display on a shelf in Yost.  However, after attending a Stanford Arts Instiute NY Arts Immersion trip and seeing the profound impact of high-quality materials and large-scale professional presentation, I was inspired to apply for additional funding and turn Artesanía into a permanent installation.  When working on the exhibit over the course of a year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with a diverse range of talented and generous individuals and organizations, including Stanford Arts Institute, the Cantor Museum, Stanford Residential Education, Stanford Housing, Anthropology and Product Design Professors, and of course the artisans themselves.

Chileconkaren.blogspot.com includes the artisans’ voice recordings, contact information, websites, and supplemental photos.  This digital portal allows for two-way connections to form.  Viewers are highly encouraged to reach out to artisans.

Acknowledgements

Jasmine Aarons
Akwasi Abrefah
Zubair Ahmed
Bill Burnett
Sylvia & Jay Ladenheim
Alejandra & Gaby Langenegger
Christian Javier Vergara Mayorga
José Miguel Mora
Ellen & Arcadio Morales
Gabrielle Moyer
Raviraj Pare
Keith Santiago
Leslie Strong
Barbara Thompson