Mariadela Araujo Jerez

Textile creator

©Sabali Studio

Driven by curiosity and experimentation

Mariadela combines tradition and innovation in her work
Her creations are inspired by art, life in the city and her endless travelling
She makes pieces in different formats, from functional objects to installations

Mariadela Araujo Jerez is a textile designer by training and education. But she also considers herself a craftswoman and artist, with a clear creative vision and a mastering of the production process through various techniques. Throughout her career Mariadela has also been a consultant and mentor to students, acting as a tutor in the different steps of the weaving process. Textile work is a source of inspiration for her and has been a passion since her teenage days. At that time, embroidery caught her attention too, giving her a broad perspective for her future. Mariadela is a weaver, her specialty being the high-warp loom, however she is always willing to accept challenges. In the last two years, she has turned to using digital tools to create either NFTs or AI-generated imagery based on her own textile creations.

Interview

©Sabali Studio

©Sabali Studio

What drives of your work?: I would say working with threads is what drives my daily work. I delve into their manipulation and transformation, inspired by colours to determine shapes and volumes, creating a connection with space and time.
Do you have a special relationship with those you train?: More than training apprentices I like to think that I train knitters, thinkers and problem solvers. I like to encourage them to develop and find their personal style, being authentic and without copying. It is very rewarding.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I consider myself first and foremost a weaver. I am specialised in the high-warp loom, although in my day-to-day work I also work with embroidery, the tufting gun, crochet and basket weaving, collaborating with local suppliers I have a close relationship with.
What do you like most about your craft?: To experiment and to combine tradition with innovation. I love being in my workshop, creating and making, not afraid of the endless hours that are behind the production of a piece, bearing always in mind that when the result is sincere I have achieved my goal.

Mariadela Araujo Jerez is a master artisan: she began her career in 2004 and she started teaching in 2010