Conversations with Artists: Rosalinda Tay

Rosalinda Tay is a traditional weaver based in San Juan La Laguna in Sololá, Guatemala. Identifying herself as Tzʼutujil Maya, one of many indigenous groups in Guatemala, Rosalinda learned the ancient art of weaving from her grandmother, who also taught her how to use local plants, trees and insects, such as cochineal, to create brilliant dyes. Seeing the decline of traditional natural dyes due to the introduction of synthetic dyes, led by Rosalinda, a group of Tz'utujil women decided to unite and founded Asociación Lema’ in 1999, now one of San Juan La Laguna’s oldest weaving cooperatives. Lema’ has been preserving Tzʼutujil people’s artisan practices of weaving and dyeing and creating alternative ways to generate employment and incomes for women in the community.

In this event, Rosalinda will share the journey of her and Lema’s creative practice, including the achievements and challenges that have been seen in her community. The event includes a screening of a short film Poco a Poco (by Actuality Abroad, 2013) featuring the story of Rosalinda and Asociación Lema’.

There will be a Q&A with audience members. The English-Spanish interpretation is supported generously by Carol Alison Smith

EcoCreatives: Conversations with Artists Playlist

You can also watch all episodes from Series 1 and 2 of ‘Eco Creatives: Conversations With Artists’ on our YouTube channel.

Series 1 Artists:

1. Deborah Gray, Oban

2. Monica Haddock, Mull

3. Fernanda Mascarenhas, Brazil

4. Nanoko Suzuki, Japan

5. Boubacar Doumbia, Mali

Series 2 Artists

1. Thomas Keyes, Cromarty, Scotland

2. Jessica Giannotti, Oban, Scotland

3. Susan Martin, Pembrokeshire, Wales

4. Living Blue, Rangpur, Bangladesh

5. Firew Konjo, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

6. Katie West, Noongar Ballardong country