Latino Women earn a living via recycled wool sweaters

Three years ago when I was working as a bi-lingual bi-cultural therapist in a middle school, many mothers came to me to ask if I knew of a job they could do in order to help their families become more self-sufficient. It was very frustrating that only once in a while I could help one or two women, usually with a job they were not excited about. For many years as an artist and a psychotherapist I have worked with low income communities in collaborative projects where people helped and supported each other, and felt good about the art they were making. Out of these experiences grew the Si/See Project.

I got together with five Latino women who were interested in my idea and its mission and the project got underway. The mission of Si/See is to bridge cultural diversity, improve standards of living while being environmentally sensitive, and encourage connection through art. Rug hooking, a North American craft, has been the inspiration and foundation of the project. Latino woman who are also known for their colorful handcrafted work are introduced to rug hooking traditions and are encouraged to incorporate what they learn with their own sense of artistic knowledge and traditions.

Teaching Latino women about the history and craft of hooked rugs has helped to connect them to North American roots, and has given them the opportunity to be admired and respected as artists. Coming together as a group once a week has empowered the women to support each other’s work, feel pride in what they are creating, and increase their income-earning capacity.

Each rug us one of a kind and are made with 100% recycled wool sweaters that we buy at second-hand stores or get through donations. Proceeds from rug sales go directly to the weavers. At this time we have 25 women and two groups, and we are beginning to make pillows, bags, and stuffed animals as well. We have had four successful shows. I am always looking for ways to promote the beautiful rugs and pillows the women make. To donate wool sweaters or or find out more about the Si/See Project contact motalorag@comcast.net.