Can Traditional Artisanals Techniques be used as a tool for Social Change?
This project began in late 2020 and is focused on what we can really do to empower the community. We have come to the conclusion that it is most genuine is for us to work with local craftpeople and establish partnerships with them to include traditional techniques from some regions of portugal.
M’Akers wants to make known these ancestral artisanal techniques, centered in the feminine universe of portuguese craftpeople, who create and care at the same time.these collaborators are thinker, creators and actors in the fashion world.this joint work is concerned with giving visibility and space for creation for these women so that these techniques are preserved and valued.
Sessão de Desfile do Mar, Fotografia 1
© Marques Almeida, 2022
Centred in the feminine universe of its communities, who create and care simultaneously, the M’AKERS are thinkers, creators, artists, and preious members of their societies.
This initiative was created to etablish meaningful partnerships with them and, to preserve traditions, regenerate craft, and empower local artisans reigniting techniques used foor years before.
Who are the Makers ?
Aldevina specialized in a specific patchwork technique traditional from the Azores. It is called “crazy patchwork”, and it is also her favourite process. Recently Aldevina has been a teacher and a reference for this kind of “crazy patchwork”. She teaches at the Museum in Angra do Heroísmo and at the Regional Center for Handcraft Support in São Miguel.
A Fátima é natural da Póvoa de Varzim, no Norte de Portugal. Faz tapetes com sobras de tecidos que recolhe em fábricas têxteis próximas. Instalou o seu atelier na própria casa e trabalha num tear de madeira que pertence à família há várias gerações.
Sofia Afonso é uma enfermeira obstetra e artesã natural de Trás-os-Montes. Em 1993 ao mudar se para a Ilha de São Miguel conheceu a técnica de escamas de peixe, aprendendo de forma informal com uma artesã mais velha, e desde então que o artesanato integrou a sua vida.