August 2013. What made Laura Sarmiento, traditional Venezuelan weaver, travel to Europe, to the tiny rural textile studio of Anna Champeney in north Spain?
She came in search of a weaver able to show her weaver theory and innovative techniques which will enable her to innovate and update traditional textiles and make them more competitive and attractive in future.
As the interview in the local Voz de Galicia (left) indicates, Laura comes from a weaving family, with her grandfather a well-known pioneer in weaving.
The looms local weavers of the village of Tintorero use are based on simple two-shaft European looms from the 1700s – a reflection of European influence centuries´ ago. But the products made are typically Venezuelan – such as hammocks.
But traditional Venezuelan weaving is under threat so tenacious Laura is forging a new way ahead by looking to weave design studios in Europe and look at ways that innovations can be introduced in a realistic, step-by-step way.
We hope to publish a more in-depth interview with Laura very soon so watch this space……
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