Daily Inspiration: Meet Debora Rosental

 I’m a handweaver – a lover of colors, textures, and the challenges each new project brings. I live and work in Miami, Florida, but I was born in Argentina, where I studied Pharmacy and Biochemistry. I have been weaving for more than 30 years, but it was not until recent years that I took my hobby to a different level, introducing different techniques and natural dyes.

After many years of seeing me weaving, my sons encouraged me to weave with a purpose. That was the moment I started to think about the “Why” of what I do and the journey began. I decided to follow my passion for weaving and created my brand Aieka Hand Woven Elements.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The weaver’s world is amazing – it connects people from around the globe and from different cultures. Every culture has roots in the fiber arts. Weaving is an ancient art that the Aieka Hand-Woven Elements project seeks to preserve.

In natural dyeing, I use everyday products, like avocados, black beans, red onions skins, and yerba mate. The last one is special for me as an Argentinean because the mate is our traditional beverage and the smell of it brings me many beloved memories! When I start a project, I plan ahead but always leave space for changes, for improvisation, is one of the most creative moments! The rigid heddle looms I use for my work are the perfect fit for me, giving me the freedom to make changes along the process of weaving. Something that is truly important for me is to never stop learning, experimenting, I want to reflect that constant change in my work.

Recently I was part of the exhibition “40 Women pulling at the thread of Social Discourse” presented by the Fiber Artists Miami Association (FAMA) in partnership with The Contemporary Art Modern Project (CAMP). The show was to celebrate the centennial anniversary of women’s suffrage and explored femininity, race, and history through fiber art. That was a wonderful opportunity to explore how fiber arts can be a tool to bring awareness of social issues.

I believe that a handwoven product has personality, strength, sensibility, warmth, audacity, and uniqueness that reflects who you truly are. Weaving is a form of self-expression.

What matters most to you?
I always ask myself what is more important: being successful or being significant? My answer is that how I impact others is what’s most important. Being significant is being successful. I had the courage to take a new path after becoming an empty nester; along the same line, I think we all have second chances and the strength to try new things. We just have to trust ourselves. Being an entrepreneur is new for me, it is challenging. There would always be ups and downs in the process but if you love what you do  never give up, that’s my motto.

With my work, I intend to transmit audacity, authenticity, joy and peace. I create my pieces to be enjoyed as much as I enjoy the process of making them.

1 Comment

1. 

   Miryam Adatto

   November 24, 2020 at 6:51 pm

   Impressive!!!! You are a great example and inspiration to all who want to take a hobby to a higher level . Bravo 👏🏻

   Reply