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Rosa Pariona

"At first, when I said I was going to weave tapestries, many people thought I wasn't capable of doing so. But through my work and dedication, I've proved otherwise.

"I was born in the small but pretty town of Huacho on March 23, 1968. I grew up there, far from the big city tumult. In the world of handicrafts, I got a very early start as my mother was also an artisan and she taught me a great deal while I was a child. But you could say I formally began at the age of 20 when I got married and had to help with household expenses and school supplies for my children. Moreover, I was in a NGO that helped me learn design development, quality control and new techniques.

"My work is my hobby – I don't feel it to be an obligation. It's something I enjoy, so it's my hobby and work at the same time.

"I'd describe my art as something truly beautiful. To create images in a tapestry is fascinating and at the end, I feel very proud of the result. My art is depicting the past in the present, a way of showing the history of our ancestors and our homeland.

"I find motivation for my art in many things. I like to share a bit of myself with the person who chooses my tapestries, and I like to show the world what exists in Peru – our techniques, the richness of our artisans who may not yet have the economic capacity to develop something but even so, put their hands to work. These talented countrymen demonstrate that when you do something with the heart, you are able to achieve many dreams and goals.

"Apart from my Peruvian heritage, what I try to transmit through my designs is that we all know art techniques learned over generations. It is so important to teach them to someone else so that this legacy is carried on for many years and is never lost. I want to teach my craft to my children and to everyone who wants to learn.

"I've exhibited my tapestries in Cuzco and in Lima, but I'd love to enter my work in weaving competitions and win. It would be such an honor, as most of the master weavers are men and I'd feel so proud to earn that title.

"My weavings are unique, and each design has a meaning. When you learn it, you'll have learned something about Peru, her customs and her people. The truth is, most of us artisans want to be ambassadors of our culture and our homeland."