My artistic journey is deeply rooted in the intricate tapestry of human memory, seen through the framework of weaving. As a proud descendant of the Wayuu, an Indigenous group inhabiting the Guajira Peninsula on the northern coast of South America, my work is a synthesis of contemporary art practices and ancestral weaving traditions passed down through generations, in my case, directly from my grandmothers.

My first inspirations as a child were the chaotic bus commutes to and from my grandmother's houses, colorful markets, and particularly the elaborate hammocks and tapestries in my surroundings. Both my grandmothers worked with their hands, sewing, and weaving hammocks and other decorative or utilitarian items. My maternal grandmother's kitchen also served as her sewing workshop, where I spent most of my free time as a child, playing by her side and creating with the leftover materials from her sewing projects. This inherent sustainability ethos, rooted in the enduring relevance of traditional techniques, is now central to my practice and has allowed me to delve into the imperatives of ecological consciousness.

This deeply personal connection with weaving led me to dedicate my practice to fiber and textiles. As a trained fashion and experimental graphic designer, yarn has become a main element in my work. I am able to draw, paint, and sculpt using yarn. Another key medium in my practice is photography, an ideal tool for filling the holes in our memory. My extensive photographic archive serves as a reservoir of portraits, experiences, and memories that inspire and inform my work.As I navigate the realms of both physical and digital media, I am able to create a symbiotic relationship between past and present. Most importantly, I honor my grandmothers and the women who came before them; their DNA woven into each of my pieces. - Lisu Vega