I draw inspiration from humanity, as each person has something unique to offer. Merging these qualities with nature and lived experiences makes me feel truly alive.
"My name is Domingo Reanda , and I was born in Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, in 1971. I grew up in a farming family, and my parents began teaching me the craft when I was just seven years old. In the afternoons, after school, I dedicated myself to our family trade. At the age of thirteen, I developed an interest in learning to use the loom. I was fascinated by weaving and sought to create a greater source of income. My first project was making stoles, which allowed me to capture various figures and create my own designs. As a child, I also learned macramé on my own and made bracelets.
"After completing sixth grade, I migrated to the capital city in search of better opportunities. My adolescence in the city was quite challenging; I often had to sleep in shop corridors. I found a job in a market, but the conditions were difficult, so I decided to leave.
"In 1995, I began creating items with beads. This initiative was born out of a desire to support widowed women affected by the armed conflict. Since then, I have dedicated myself to making necklaces, bags, bracelets, and hooks, among other items. Currently, I work alongside my family, where communication is essential for producing quality work. We use tools such as looms, belts, pliers, needles, and thread, along with raw materials, to create our products. I draw inspiration from humanity, as each person has something unique to offer. Merging these qualities with nature and lived experiences makes me feel truly alive.
"Establishing myself as an artisan has been a significant challenge, especially in a competitive market focused on quality. However, organizations like Novica strive to ensure artisans can achieve a decent livelihood through their crafts and that our work is recognized fairly. Each piece I create is imbued with a great sense of purpose, and I find immense satisfaction in receiving feedback from both clients and fellow artisans. One of my ongoing challenges is to develop my own exclusive colors. I am currently researching how to create colors in glass and how to drill stones.
"Thank you for the opportunity to share my story through my crafts. Our indigenous culture is characterized by a vibrant spirit of art. Everything originates from our ancestors and our beautiful country, with each region represented through crafts and stunning colors. Each piece you acquire carries a significant history rooted in artisan families."
