Textile Inspiration-Part 6
Guatemala
By AMC Newton
When we think of Central American textiles, bright colours, geometric patterns and figurative storytelling spring to mind as seen in Fig. 1. In this article we explore textiles from Guatemala and one inspiring company in particular.
Guatemalan weaving dates back centuries to the Mayans. Legend has it that weaving was taught by the moon goddess Ixchel herself, demonstrating the importance of weaving in the historical culture.
Woven textiles produced are steeped in symbolism and are not solely practical items. A common method for producing woven textiles is the back strap loom, where one end is fixed to a tree or post and the other tied around the back. This method means the loom is very mobile giving flexibility to the weaver.
Fig 2. Backstrap Loom weaving.
Photo by Alejandro Linares Garcia
Jody Slocum a Wisconsin based textile artist was making regular trips to Guatemala as part of her work with the non-profit Farmer to Farmer. On one such trip her friend and fellow textile artist Mary Ann Wise came along. During the day Jody worked with coffee farmers, and at night she and Mary Ann heard of the struggles from the coffee farmers wives, particularly about the lack of opportunities to make their own income.
Out of this encounter the idea for a USA trunk show was born. Mary Anne wove rugs and worked with people in the interior design business. With support from their networks the pair organised a trunk show, featuring textiles they brought back from Guatemala.
The first trunk show was a success, which lead to two more, what followed is explained by Mary Ann: ”Over the next three years we produced a trunk show a year. Along the way we met inspiring women working for non-profits whose mission was to provide income-earning opportunities for marginalized artisans. We learned that many of these groups were interested in expanding their textile repertoire in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Knowing this, during the final collecting trip in 2009, Jody and I offered to teach a rug-hooking workshop with members of Oxlajuj B’atz’ (Thirteen Threads).”
Fig 3. Multcolores Embroidery
Following the rug making workshop Jody & Mary Anne founded the non-profit Multicolores in 2014. The organisation now supports 62 artisans. You can read more about their story on the website, where you can also see some of the beautiful pieces that various artisans have created and are now for sale. Figs 3-8 show some of the Multicolores products
“Multicolores is love, commitment, and support, brought to life by the artists’ colorful palette and creative voice,” Cheryl Conway-Daly.
Fig 4. Multcolores Rug
Another fascinating aspect of the work of the Multicolores artisans, is that the rugged work utilises pre-loved clothes cut into strips, that otherwise would be sent to landfill or burnt. According to their website, 5,000 second hand garments have been recycled and repurposed into hooked rugs and 150+ pounds of plastic bags diverted from landfills, collected by artists to use as stuffing for dolls and ornaments. They also collaborate with other local artisans for raw material and finishing services which helps spread their impact further. In addition to selling products, artisans also take part in creative workshops, helping develop their skills and confidence. The organization is having positive impact in a variety of ways.
Fig 5. Multcolores Rug
Fig 6. Multcolores Bag
“The way we use recycled materials is unique and innovative. It’s an honor for us because we’ve found a way to use pieces of clothing that would otherwise be burned or sent to the landfill. In this way, we’re helping our families, the environment, and our community at the same time,”
Glendy Muj, rug-hooking artist.
Fig 7. Multicolores cushion
Fig 8. Multicolores Doll
It is amazing the impact that two people can have, helped by friends, family, and colleagues along the way, neither Mary Ann or Jo had any idea of what was to happen to them, and their work as a result of that trip together. Now, they continue with a team to have positive impact in Guatemala, and beyond. They also run a shop called Cultural Cloth in Wisconsin, if you are in the area, pop in, if not check out their website online.
Inspired by the textiles you see here? If you were handcrafting a rug or embroidery to tell a story important to you, what would some of the characters be? What colours would you choose? Please share your ideas with us!
Further reading:
https://www.revuemag.com/the-guatemalan-weavers-multicolores-collective/
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1318099
https://www.clothroads.com/along-the-clothroad-crossing-paths-in-guatemala-and-life/
#textileinspiration #guatemala #qhqfashion #qhqtextiles #AMCNewton #multicolores