Brasília – Figures supplied by the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reveal that Brazil has over 8.5 million artisans. Out of that total, 87% are women who learnt the tradition from their families; from their mothers and grandmothers. Yesterday, March 19th, was a day dedicated to these artists who process raw materials using techniques such as weaving, ceramics, embroidery, painting, crochet and knitting, which are replicated, combined and reinvented.
In addition to the beauty and originality of the items, handicraft generates work and income to people, and also improves self-esteem and health. Artisan Ângela Maria Monteiro claims that the importance of such work in her life stems from three reasons: finance, self-esteem and health. "Before, I used to be a sick person who was afraid of going out on the streets, I had panic syndrome. A person invited me to take the course, I went there and took it, and now I have even travelled to Argentina," says Ângela.
Artisan Maria da Conceição Pereira da Silva, blind since birth, claims that handicraft changed her life. "It did so by providing me with an opportunity to get to know people, to work with the so-called normal people, the ones who can see and are not handicapped."
The art of creating with the hands has also arrived at universities. Such is the case with a program developed at the University of Brasília (UnB), in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology. Professor Georgia Castro, who holds a master’s degree in industrial design from UnB, explains that students at the institution are working with artisan groups, as a part of programs turned to social-environmental design and social insertion.
"We seek to insert these individuals into the community in a different way, in an effective manner, by means of their work," says Georgia. Handicraft is also a part of the life of retired worker Júnia Adjuto de Melo, who holds a college degree and now complements her income with the necklaces, purses and other accessories that she makes.
"I used to be a teacher and I retired as one. However, all of my life I have painted, and when I retired, I decided to invest in handicraft as an outlet for my creativity, as leisure, and in order to complement my wages as a teacher, which are low," explains Júnia. Thanks to their quality, the items made by many artisans have already reached the fashion catwalks. But using handicraft in the fashion world requires caution, according to designer Juliana Murargin.
"It is a fabulous thing, it was made by a person, not a machine; the hands do the work. However, depending on how it is worn, a handicraft item cannot be simply placed on the catwalk," says the designer.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
