Edilsa Baldomino

Constru-Arte

Basketweaver

©Artesanías de Colombia

Thinking big

Edilsa learned her skills from the nuns in Barranquilla
She masters the craft technique without a wire support
She advocates for women’s economic self-sufficiency

Listening to Edilsa Baldomino and the rhythm of her voice, it is easy to understand why she says that weaving is a feeling. She believes that those who buy one of her creations take a little piece of her with them, which she is happy to share. She is grateful to have been able to transform her childhood grief and shortcomings into pure creative energy. Her mother’s absence filled her past with grief, which she has transformed into wisdom, and a desire to celebrate life and beauty. Craft gives her a sense of purpose and a way to be resilient.

Interview

©Artesanías de Colombia

©Artesanías de Colombia

When and how did you actually start?: The nuns at the Hogar Santa Bernardita in Barranquilla taught me to crochet and cross-stitch. I later learned to weave Iraca fibers by watching my cousin. She was from Usiacurí. I fell in love with the warmth of this place because I saw how everybody weaved in their houses.
What are your sources of inspiration?: My products are based on different referents found in our environment such as animals, plants or landscapes: we have developed stitches such as the partridge eye, snails, star, knuckle flower and papaya flower.
What is less known about your work?: I have had the opportunity to lead projects that transcend craftsmanship, such as paving the streets of our neighborhoods. Likewise, I have advocated for women’s economic self-sufficiency in the municipality, believing that the preservation of this weaving tradition is the best way to protect the welfare of both families and the community at large.
What are your specialisations?: I am the only artisan in Usiacurí that has learnt to handle the craft technique without the wire support and I have worked hard in order to improve the colour quality and combinations. I became one of the craftswomen to proudly represent Usiacurí in fairs all over the country, as well as abroad in Uruguay and Venezuela.

Edilsa Baldomino is a master artisan: she began her career in 1975 and she started teaching in 2000