Earlier on in the month - i ran away back to Siem Reap in Cambodia.. i have been running back and forth between cities and collaborating with an organization based there that has very successfully elevated itself and its' artisans to a level that is truly well worth crediting for their pure achievements and dedication. Artisans D'angkor is a company that creates opportunities and employment for the local community and keeps traditional crafts and skills alive.
I recently went back to run a sewing workshop with our technician Clara who was kind enough to give her time and hang out. Special thanks to Anthony whom is still roaming around Cambodia for being a kick ass photographer on our tight budget!!
The first few days - we got ourselves familiar with the artisans that sew up all of the beautiful product that is made in silk.
Get to know each other..as i am terrible with languages and names...the common language is the craft. Unspoken words.
There was a unique harmony between artisans as they worked together often on the same piece. Something we do not often see today - Amazing energy..
Deep concentration
Here's me trying to figure out what next... wow it's been a while since i drafted.. still a bit rusty..
and do this all over again is truly rewarding... it's all coming back to me!
And it was wonderful to see the sneaky shots, happy to see that peeps were paying attention..
Clara - our amazing technician.... full of smiles, laughter and that awesome trademark red lipstick! It's all about the elbow grease when it comes to pressing....
She was teaching all those little tricks that you need when that garment is assembled.
Waaay beyond me.. that is a lifetime of skill!
Artisans have several workshops in neighbouring villages and they specially built hang out spots for the kids..while their parents are weaving.. it's all about family.
What a life... i wanna day dream like this.
And this is one amazing archive of what the artisans have produced in silk fabrics and designs in Ikat..I love it all and can't wait to start working with it.
Spent a couple of evenings with some of the artisans who were kind enough to have us.
Family life - afterhours...
Neighbourhood boyz who wanna chill with us too!
Believe me this smelled sooooo good.. nothing like fresh fried fish!
Another artisan in their home - The couple are both weavers working at Artisans, the husband lost his leg when he stepped on a mine back in the '85 - they have a really wonderful family unit.
kids were so shy and curious but the youngest as always is full of smiles...
They are lucky to have a well to draw water from when they need right in their back yard,
however electricity is still not widely available..approx 750USD for the electric line from the street to the house !! so they use their trusty car battery for rechargeable power.
dinner time for the young one fed by grandma!
A beautiful view every night
Grandad looking a bit toothless popped up at the end of the evening ready for bed!
I gained alot from this trip. I think spending time with the families and the wonderful artisans who worked in the sewing and weaving workshops and make everything happen meant slowing down a daily routine for me and see what it is really about. Things are not instantaneous.. and i think as we are running day to day here in HK, New York, London, whereever it might be...we all have expectations of immediate results and lose sight of what matters daily. Really back to basics and spending time doing what's important and seeing results thru grassroots learning, being with those that care about each other and have formed incredible understanding of each other - brings you back to reality.
Here's a bit of a taste of mine coming together...
More soon...!
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