Weaving France and the Philippines together
Elodie Brunet has designed scarves for the likes of Christian Dior. But today the French designer teaches the women of Palawan to weave abaca fibers into delicate fabrics, in ways that are both innovative and artful.
Brunet is eager to show the fruits of her labour in the Philippine island at her forthcoming exhibit at the Ayala Museum on June 8. Her collection of woven art is but one of the many attractions of French Spring in Manila 2005, all carrying the theme, Unity in Diversity
.
To do a dream of nature and to weave it,
declares Brunet in her thesis statement. From rough abaca, pina and silk fibers she and her team of women weavers in Palawan have wrought gossamer creations evocative of the flora and fauna of the island. No chemical treatment is used on the fabrics, only natural products such as ube and achuete. The pieces are delicate, sophisticated and very wearable. They can also be used as interior décor.
The women artisans who study under Brunet hone their craft as part of an alternative livelihood program by the Palawan-based nongovernment organisation Rurungan sa Tubod. Besides skill, the women learn an appreciation for the artistic uniqueness necessary in each piece. I feel the mutual trust and respect of the weavers,
Brunet confides. Besides financial independence, the work instills among the weavers confidence and artistic sensibility.
Brunet first came to the Philippines in 2001a nd began exploring the textile art traditions of the Philippines such as the famed T'boli ikat weavers in Lake Sebu to the piña weavers of barong tagalog.
Awed by this local craft, Brunet has since incorporated its many influences into her textile art. And like the indigenous weavers, she began using dreams as inspiration for her designs.
Like the frail tissue of dragonfly wings, the brightness of the pineapple gauze is revealed at contact with the light. Like a poppy petal, the pineapple organza reacts to light.
The Embroidery Exhibit will run until June 18.
Weaving France and the Philippines together — The Manila Tines