This documentary series is promoted and produced by Álbio Nascimento and Kathi Stertzig, mentors of The Home Project Design Studio and the origem comum platform.
As stated on the platform:
“The ARTISANS’ VOICES series presents the artisans’ perspectives on contemporary material culture, education, production, and consumption.
Through these videos, we aim to share experiences, critical views, and first-person accounts, in order to promote vernacular knowledge as a key theme for a sustainable future.”
INTERVIEWS: Álbio Nascimento e Kathi Stertzig
• EPISODE 1
ARTISAN: ARMÉNIO VARELA E MARIA JÚLIA
In this process of preserving memory and practices, we start from an open approach, in the sense that we are interested in listening to and giving voice to those who have their own thoughts and express them critically.
I began working with Álbio Nascimento and Kathi Stertzig on the TASA Project – Traditional Techniques, Contemporary Solutions – in 2010. Since then, it has been clear to me that they are genuinely committed and actively involved in the processes we have collaborated on.
As expressed in the origem comum platform’s manifesto, this is a space for sharing knowledge and techniques in a continuous response to the challenges of our time and to innovation (…) while addressing practical needs and contributing to building future alternatives.
• EPISODE 2
ARTISAN: RICARDO LOPES
Procuramos catalizar a conversa para fixar e projectar a memória de quem sabe, melhor do que ninguém, do que, como e para quem faz; onde aprendeu, como se fez e vai fazendo o seu percurso, se pensa passar o seu conhecimento e as suas práticas, conhecer os públicos que o procuram.
We aim to catalyze conversations to preserve and project the memory of those who best understand what, how, and for whom they create; where they learned their craft, how their journey has unfolded, whether they intend to pass on their knowledge and practices, and who seeks out their work.
We value, on the one hand, retaining their connection to the territory—or territories—where they live or have crossed paths, the knowledge acquired and reinvented, and their access to and handling of raw materials and products. On the other hand, we seek to understand how they envision and materialize innovation, to capture their critical view of their craft and of artisanal practices, and to understand how they position their work within a market context.
• EPISODE 3
ARTISAN: RODRIGO SIM SIM
Image and sound are not captured based on a pre-written script. The recording is done in a single moment, centered on the discourse of the protagonists, from which the narrative is then built.
Because this capture happens over a short period, several implications arise. The first is that mediation with the subjects is carried out by those who already have a prior relationship with them, who are visibly present in the film: Álbio Nascimento and Kathi Stertzig.
As a result—and in contrast to my usual approach, even though I enjoy filming “openly”—the protagonists likely end up having a space for expression that is much less “constrained” by the intervention of the filmmaker.
• EPISODE 4
ARTISAN: EGÍDIO SANTOS
The openness and willingness of all participants to engage in the recorded conversations often surprises me with the depth and reach of the discussions we have during filming.
Despite the limited capture time, as with the projects I develop myself, I try to remain attentive to what is beyond our control:tar atento aquilo que não controlo, ou que nós não controlamos:
The unforeseen. The unpredictable.
And I don’t do this just to convey a sense of informality. What truly matters is that sometimes it’s not about what does happen, but what could happen. This principle, which is a recurring one in my work, can also define the unique approach we take in this series.
• EPISODE 5
ARTISAN: DOMINGOS VAZ
As I revisit the Artisans’ Voices series, I realize there are several instances where the protagonists go through a journey of introspection, sharing their intimate vision of their craft.
And it’s not always necessary to speak in order to perceive the dedication and joy of the maker.