Thursday, September 5, 2013

AGOSTINA BIANCHI The Famous Knit Wear Designer

I am Agostina Bianchi, a 36 years old textile designer, owner of my own brand with its own unique seal: luxury woven textiles de ONDA SLOW. My vision: to achieve a quality hand made product with its own style and high added value. 

My clothes identify a woman as a unique being, placing a special emphasis on femininity, glamour and style. It is because of their high quality that all designs are of limited edition and quantity. 

My collections include all types of artisinal weaves: crochet, looms, and woven textiles with hand made finishes.


AGOSTINA


THE BEGINNING

The market and consumer tastes pushed me towards woven clothing, considering that it was the most popular part of my initial collection. Because of this, I eventually transitioned to making solely woven clothing using manual and semi-manual techniques.






DAILY ROUTINE

We are a cooperative of three people and everything is divided by three. We obtain our materials from small producers located in Patagonia and Northern Argentina who take very good care of their animals. We ensure that every step of our supply chain is ethically produced and managed.


FINANCING

We are a self sustaining business and have financed ourselves through reinvesting our profits back into our company.





FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS


My flagship products are woven fabrics that I make into clothing. To generate a brand it is important to have a strong foundation of knowledge, which in my case, I obtained by studying design at the university of Palermo and then fashion marketing at the University of Belgrano. Additionally, I also participated and won in various design competitions such as:

Semifinalist at a national level in the “Jeunes Creauteurs de Mode”, Renault Museum during the third week of Buenos Aires Difusion. I competed to officially represent Argentina at the “carrousel del Louvre in Paris (27 august 2000). I obtained third place in a special contest sponsored by “vitamina Buenos Aires” and the newspaper “La nación” called “la puntada inicial”.


I was also a finalist between the 37 designers who participated in the event “El diseñador del 2000”, organized by the government of the city of Buenos Aires. 






TRADITION AND INNOVATION

My flagship product rescues the lost value of handmade goods and uses techniques that are timeless and allow it to be appreciated both for its quality and craftsmanship.





GOALS

Until now, I have achieved all of my goals thanks in part to the Argentine Chancellory and its support of my participation in international fairs to sell my products in places such as Japan, Italy, England and Spain. 

My ultimate intention, however, is to sell my Brand as a franchise at a worldwide level so as to have a more global presence.





LEGACY: What advice would you give to an aspiring artisan?

It is imporant to begin working before finishing school so as to already have a career and have an easy transition into the textile field.



MAKE A CALL TO WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR WORK

My intention is to reach high end boutiques that seek high quality products. I would also like to reach show rooms that seek argentine designs that are skillfully made with high quality materials.





CONTACT AGOSTINA BIANCHI

contact@agostinabianchi.com.ar

www.agostinabianchi.com.ar
www.facebook.com/AgostinaBianchiBoutique
@agostinabianchi

Friday, June 14, 2013

MATILDE MORENO VERA The Floral Jeweler


My name is Matilde Moreno Vera and I am dedicated to crafting jewelry. 

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and have been creating contemporary jewelry in my workshop for the past seven years. 

I especially enjoy designing pieces for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or anniversaries. 



WORKING IN MY STUDIO


THE BEGINNING


I currently live in Neuquén Patagonia Argentina, where I originally learned under the tutelage of different goldsmith masters basic techniques such as etching, soldering and polishing. 

I stumbled upon modern jewelry while looking for a medium that allowed me to apply what I have learned and give an identity to my designs. 

In my designs I seek to reflect my feelings and it is from these same feelings that I create the details on my pieces.







DAILY ROUTINE


My workshop and home feed into each other to create unique pieces of jewelry. 

Aside from being a mother, the hours in my workshop elapse during the morning when my children are at school. It is during the morning that my ideas and designs are formed and created. 

For most of my pieces I use silver 925 and mix it with copper, bronze and alpaca to give it color. I also use gold to create contrasts between the different metals.




DESIGN PROCESS


FINANCING


I work alone when designing and creating a piece, thus further ensuring the originality and uniqueness of each jewel. 

Sometimes, when I create an exceptional piece I repeat the design but change certain aspects that could have been improved upon, but again, no two pieces are ever the same. 

I participate in local art exhibitions so that people can see my work and also gain prominence through word of mouth which is extremely satisfying.



MY STUDIO



FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS


My favorite part of my job is the ability to personalize each piece. My designs are created by sketching them and crafting a model of the design. Typically, I ask for feedback from family and friends. 

During the course of the creation process I often modify the model as I construct it, and after being satisfied with the prototype I materialize the idea by creating the piece in metal. 

"MARGARITAS"


I also try on the jewelry to ensure comfort and critique how the design looks. 

One of my latest creations is my flagship product and consists of a flower forged from 925 silver and copper. I identify myself with this piece and regard it as reflection of my style and it is through this piece that you can become acquainted with my works. 

My other favorite piece is named “Maternidad” and reflects the small world that is created between pregnant mothers and their children. Just like in the story “The little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, a small world of emotions can be found in a small planet. I especially enjoy reinventing this piece and recreating it in different forms.



"CASAMIENTO"


TRADITION AND INNOVATION


I work various different metals by employing traditional techniques and incorporating them into the creation of modern jewelry, thus allowing me to express what I feel. 

My passion is original creations that are extremely detailed. These pieces set a stark contrast to traditional jewelry which is generally created with molds and carries a serial number.



"NILLO FLOR"


GOALS


I believe that I still have much to learn as far as launching a collection or line of jewelry is concerned. 

Nowadays, my time is shared with my home, but I do not rule out the possibility of eventually launching my own collection.





LEGACY: What advice would you give to an aspiring artisan?


My advice to anyone who is starting would be to take all your ideas and inspirations from within yourself and stay true to what you enjoy. The most beautiful pieces are those that surge from within you.


 




MAKE A CALL TO WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR WORK


My dream is that an important jewelry shop asked me to design their jewels. 

My work would therefore be much easier to do when designing since I would not have to worry about obtaining metal or precious stones. Creating without limits and without having to worry about costs or publicity would be liberating. 




CONTACT MATILDE MORENO

matmv@hotmail.com
www.matildemorenovera.com.ar
www.facebook.com/matilde.joyeriacontemporanea


Saturday, June 1, 2013

ANTONIO PUJIA The Noble Sculptor


My name is Antonio Pujia and I am an artist, sculptor, and teacher. 

I was born in Polia, a small town in Calabria, Italy and immigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I have lived since I was eight years old. 

I have been a sculptor since I was a young child and have over 70 years’ worth of experience as an artisan. 


WORKING IN MY STUDIO



THE BEGINNING

I was born in a small town without electricity, gas, or running water. As a child I would craft my own toys with clay gathered from the banks of a stream. 

At eight years old I immigrated with my parents to Argentina, and upon graduating from elementary school I enrolled in an Art institute and never stopped creating.


"VUELO"



DAILY ROUTINE

I wake up early and after having breakfast I walk about 700 meters from my house to my workshop. I then work until 12:30 and after having lunch I continue working from 3pm to 7pm. 

My schedule is fixed Mondays through Fridays, though I do work Saturday mornings and rest on Sundays. 

My working hours are that of the working class as I am a worker of art.


"MIRARSE EN UNO"



FINANCING

I stay in business by selling my works, which I create by working daily. 


"PAREJA EN PARQUE"



FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS

I work with a variety of materials, all of them regarded as noble and classics within sculpting from the beginning of time. 


I sculpt in marble and wood and model with clay and bees wax. These pieces are typically cast using the age old technique of melting away the wax on bronze or silver. 

Some of my most renown works are the small sculptures that I model in wax and cast in silver; many of them are jewels. 

The first of these sculptures was created because my wife asked me for a personalized piece of jewelry. 


MY STUDIO


TRADITION AND INNOVATION

My sculptures are crafted using the same techniques that were used by artisans for thousands of years; woodworking, stone sculpting and metal casting. 

I learned all of these techniques under at the art institute I attended and under the apprenticeship of various craftsmen. My innovation to the field consists of sculpting small sculptures that can be worn as jewelry. 


"PUREZA INCONTAMINADA"


 GOALS

This year I would like to take an exposition of my works across the interior of my country. 

To achieve this, however, I need funds for transportation and insurance.



LEGACY: What advice would you give to an aspiring artisan?

That I studied and worked hard; an artist is made through his works, not his words.

 
"MUJER MARIPOSA"




MAKE A CALL TO WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR WORK

I would like anyone who is interested in my work to contact me.


CONTACT ANTONIO PUJIA

info@antoniopujia.com
www.antoniopujia.com
https://www.facebook.com/antonio.pujia.7 



Friday, May 10, 2013

MARTA MORRISON Owner of Colchagua Jewelry


My name is Marta Morrison and I am from the region of Liberator General Bernardo O’Higgins, Comune of Nancagua, Chile.

I work with different organic fibers and metals; chiefly by using an ancestral braiding technique that blends straw and other fibers to create a variety of crafts. 

I also work with a cotton loom and design different works in conjunction with other artisans of the region. With the help of two fiber braiders, two seamstresses and three silversmiths I produce the variety of my works.

The pieces we create range from necklaces and bracelets to earrings, purses and rings. We have over ten years’ experience working.


PURSE DESIGN


THE BEGINNING

I have always been fascinated by nature, colors, lights, shadows and fibers. I find these things magical and when I first came across the braided ribbon of a traditional straw hat, I began to visualize what I could create with the material. 

The texture and smoothness of the material prompted me to create jewelry, which in turn caused me to seek out the best artisans so that I could accomplish this dream. I decided to match colors that favor women with different tones and innovative designs, along with creating jewelry that showcases our personality and is a blend of our culture and history. 

Creating something new and placing it in the market was a colossal undertaking; quality craftsmanship and innovative designs have been key aspects of successfully selling these goods. The pieces themselves are not only objects, but a small part of the collective soul of the infinite creative universe that we make.


ME AT DESIGN PROCESS

DAILY ROUTINE

Every day is different due to the fact that I have no established routine; I am always answering calls from clients who solicit different works or busy laboring in my workshop. 

When I am at home I design and craft necklaces or work on making other handcrafted goods. In essence, every day is a reflection of the ever-changing needs of my clients and myself. Occasionally I travel to Santa Cruz and meet with my other collaborators to review designs and agree on new products. I also have to travel to Santiago weekly to attend meetings and purchase goods.

My business is operated in conjunction with my daughter. I have a store in Santa Cruz and one in Santiago. I typically sell my products through my own stores but also participate in expositions, and sell abroad through various stores that carry my products. To achieve this, it is crucial to promote my crafts through the press, television, and other marketing techniques.


NECKLACE CONSTRUCTION

FINANCING

I do not have any external financing, nor do I work with creditors. Instead, I am constantly reinvesting my profits back into the business after everyone has been paid their fair share; something that is reflected by the fact that we have remained as a cohesive unit and no one has left my employment.


ROW MATERIAL READY TO START WEAVING


FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS

It is probably my INCHE necklace, winner of the 2004 UNESCO award for Artisan products in Latin America & the Caribbean. 




NECKLACE "INCHE"

 

TRADITION AND INNOVATION

My works rescue a technique that has been passed on by generation after generation of Chilean artisans who braid organic fibers. Additionally, many of the crafts incorporate traditional Mapuche symbols.

Their closeness to the earth are elements which form a magical concept where colors become primordial elements, given that in conjunction with metals they give strength and create a balance in a given piece. Each piece is unique and completely handcrafted.





FIRST STEPS OF HANDCRAFTING: BRAIDING STRAW



GOALS

I would like innovative initiatives to be valued and a general feeling of appreciation and pride over our quality products. 

I would also like initiative to be recognized across all Chile and the world; there is a lack of resources for the diffusion of arts and culture. A cultural change needs to take place so that Chileans begin to value innovative and quality products.



NECKLACE


LEGACY: What advice would you give to an aspiring artisan?

To persevere and fight for your dreams, to never stop enjoying what you do because passion is the sweetest part of life. Open your eyes, breathe, and submerse yourself into the creative process.

 


NECKLACE



MAKE A CALL TO WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR WORK

Anyone who values innovative work, handcrafted artisan products, the use of natural materials, our history and culture, or who recognizes quality and values the work of others. 

Any person who feels the beating heart of each piece and who is bold enough to break paradigms and immerse themselves into a creative adventure. I invite them to meet our products, our dreams, and to help us place these works in the place they deserve; museums, stores, and places where they will be admired.


CONTACT MARTA MORRISON

http://www.martamorrison.cl/
titamorrison@yahoo.com


Friday, January 4, 2013

Welcome


Hi everyone and welcome to my blog ullvuning: a showroom for creative artisan handicrafts from Latin America with a contemporary perspective. At Ullvuna we believe that innovation is key for the survival and preservation of our heritage.


My name is Florencia Campos and I am an industrial designer from Chile; the end of the world.


WEAVING IN AMY HOMEMADE RECTANGULAR LOOM.



BEGINNING

As far back as I can remember I have enjoyed creating. Since I was child I have always been passionate about drawing and eventually, crocheting my own clothes and textiles. The creative process grants the unique opportunity to “think outside the box” and create usual things in unusual ways. This particular notion has always been a driving force behind my products and is exemplified in my designs. 




3D WEAVING LOOM: TRADITIONAL RECTANGULAR LOOM`S EVOLUTION.



Originality and modernization are two key characteristics of our generation that arguably, define us. As such, it is only fitting that we strive to incorporate those characteristics into our products. The idea of rejuvenating old methods and bringing back old traditions with a modern twist is a cornerstone of our business model. It is well worth noting that this rejuvenation of traditional handicrafts borders on sacrilege as the artisanal products of ancient cultures are venerated worldwide for the very fact they remain unchanged and consistent. However, it is hard to define the subtle line between revering old methods by keeping them unchanged and inhibiting progress and creativity by demanding that everything remain the same.


TARTAN COAT AND LONG SKIRT: 2 DESIGNS THAT MIX DIFFERENT LOOM SHAPES.

SKIRT DESIGN IN WHICH I HAVE USED MY OWN TRIANGLE LOOM DESIGN.

FLECKED SWEATER: MIXING DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES AND LOOM SHAPES.


I am convinced that design and innovation are paradoxically the two most important ways to preserve and immortalize our handicrafts for future generations to enjoy. There are many incredible examples of designers and artisans who have achieved amazing creations based on this belief. My ultimate goal is to gradually show you, through their creations, that this idea holds true.


ULLVUNING



Three years ago I learned how to weave and make loomed pieces. By incorporating original ideas and designs I was able to start joining the pieces until I found the right mixture of techniques and shapes that could allow me to reach my intended design.


UMBRELLA DESIGN PROCESS: FROM CUSTOM MADE TRIANGULAR LOOM


I sincerely believe think that I am venerating my origins by learning ancient techniques and finding new and attractive ways of enhancing them through the use of innovative designs and methods.

My brand is called Ullvuna, and it was born as simple as that: just ullvuning..



Every innovative handicrafter and designer has their own way of ullvuning, don`t you think?


Now it is your turn to judge, welcome.