My close relationships with artisans in Mexico and Guatemala have given me the chance to collaborate with amazing Mayan belt-loom weavers. After spending time in Chiapas and creating a few pieces, I decided to move to a lake surrounded by volcanoes in Guatemala. Here I developed a close relationship with a family as they taught me more about the craft. Together we created a limited collection of hand-woven goods including belts, hatbands, scarves, and ponchos.
Poncho and hatband designed by Xhico
Chusita preparing wash of masa for threads
Poncho weaving in progress
Chusita arranging threads for weaving
Mama Elena sharing her wisdom aligning the threads perfectly
Susana weaving the poncho design
Detail of Poncho
Mama Elena wearing my belt design
Sketch of colors and thread count for Poncho
Final handwoven belts
Chusita at work on the belt-loom
Chusita at work on the belt-loom
Final handwoven belts made with metallic thread
Susana counting threads for rainbow belt
Susana arranging threads for rainbow belt
Tools for weaving
A small stick keeps measure of the belt
Posing with Chusita and our final products
Shopping for thread with Rosa
Hands of Señora Pina
Señora Pina teaching me about thread
Mama Elena looks at a drawing I did of her daughter, Chusita
Belt design being woven
Sketching belt designs in watercolor by the lake
Belt drying on the roof top
