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
