Page 64 - Test Issue Flip

fulfilment and purpose. In my former corporate life I used to merely illustrate the designs and realized how dull and uninspiring it was to not be engaged in the actual making of the products and play an active role in the manufacturing process. Creating my designs does not take too long actually. Sometimes I get a new idea for a product as soon as I wake up. The tedious part is often trying to communicate the image I have in mind to the craftsmen or to find the right materials.
My inspiration comes from many sources: a trip, a song, magazines or blogs, people, a material that hasn’t been used yet, a special color, a piece of paper, cloth or texture. Normally, my best ideas come to me when I'm by myself with no distractions. I really appreciate silence when creating.
A CRAFT RENAISSANCE ON THE SANTIAGO HORIZON?
Our craft community is very small, but close-knit. Big retail companies have taken the place of almost all of the domestic manufacturing over the years and pretty much everything we consume in our country is mass-produced overseas. As a result, only a handful of artisans are motivated to get involved in crafts. It is still very much a niche activity, but fortunately has started to evolve in recent times.
There’s actually a lot of interest in learning how to glaze a bisque as a hobby so you can find a community of ceramics teachers who focus on glazing. I think Santiago is becoming a more creative society but we need to promote the city both locally and internationally so that our craft revival is not just a fading trend — we need to make a lasting change. We need to solve the current production issues such as the availability of good raw materials and craftsmen. Santiago has been
overwhelmed by shopping malls and high street shops, thus it’s getting harder to find them. Furthermore, we should create a business environment that is conducive for local crafts to blossom and where craftsmanship is promoted. Over time, if we get these things right, I am convinced that Santiago can be positioned as a creative hub.
THE PHILOSOPHER IN MINKA SAYS...
I think it’s really important to convey the inherent value of a handcrafted object to consumers. As consumers, we need to be well-informed before we make a buying decision and be more aware of how these decisions can impact and affect other people’s livelihood and of course, nature. For me, it’s an issue that I’ve been interested in since my university days. I’ve always been particularly keen to understand the social aspects and impact of design on a community.
JOINING OUR YARN MOVEMENT?
Yes, I already have! I design blankets for home interiors and I’m working on a new project of knitted sweaters. I really love everything that involves yarns. It reminds me of my childhood — my mother always made very cool knitwear with unique designs for my brothers and me.
Thank you Fran, for sharing your vision with us and pushing for a more sustainable consumer environment! -x-
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