JAVIER MEDINA
A Spanish master artisan weaver, Javier Medina has revived a traditional craft by giving it a contemporary flair. Esparto grass weaving is a traditional craft native to Spain's large inland Extramadura region, where he grew up. For centuries, esparto was plaited and woven to make everyday functional items and furnishing. With the rise of convenience living, the practice began to falter. Now, using the tools and methods taught to him by his grandfather, Medina's work is a fresh interpretation of the old ways.
After moving to Madrid as a younger man "With dreams of becoming a successful artisan and restorer" he set up his first studio in a garage that he renovated in the style of an old-school workshop in the capital's bohemian Malasaña district. It was here that the animal heads he dubs 'ecological trophies', captured the imagination of actress Sarah Jessica Parker. One famous tourist selfie later, and he was on the map. I asked him about the why and wherefore of his work.
"I have always liked creative work and art and craft techniques. As a child, I remember my grandfather often working with natural fibres on the patio of his house. I first learned from him, then I studied restoration with Marisa del Real when I arrived in Madrid.
Sketching background
"I was born in Badajoz, Extremadura, a beautiful region in Spain very close to Portugal. I grew up at my family's house with my parents and grandparents, and I always remembered being fascinated watching my father and grandfather on the patio braiding esparto grass. They created all kinds of things with natural fibers, chairs, baskets... anything that we needed for the house, but to me, those things went far beyond utility. What was truly special was how those objects embodied my family's memories and showed who we were. That is what truly inspired me to be an artisan. By going back to my origins I try to create pieces that have a powerful story behind them, filled with memories and history, similar to the ones that my family's pieces had."
Starting out
"I have had all kinds of jobs that had nothing to do with crafts or art, I was a clothing store manager, I managed a gym in Badajoz, I worked at a shoe store... I'm a self-taught artisan. I do not have any formal artistic educational background, but I have always been passionate about craft and art. I started to create these animal heads and other pieces such as mirrors when I moved to Madrid and started to play around with natural fibers. I made some mirrors for myself but all my friends loved them and I ended up selling all of them, so after a little while I decided to quit my job and give it a try. I am very fortunate that now I can finally say that I am a full-time artisan. I worked by myself at first, when I just opened my workshop in Malasaña, but currently, and thanks to some past and upcoming projects, two more people are working with me."
Animal head trophies?
"I really wanted to work with natural fibers, since it was something that I have been surrounded with my whole life, but I also wanted to use them differently and create something more artistic, rather than baskets and furniture... that is how I started making the animal heads. I would love it if my pieces bring happiness but also with the animal heads, I love the idea of creating a beautiful, 'ecological' piece that doesn't harm any animal."
Greatest teachers
"My guides in my work are the unknown talented, hardworking artisans who help me and teach me the techniques that have been almost lost and that we try to recover. The artisans I've been lucky enough to meet in the small Spanish villages are truly inspiring, and my greatest teachers. I'm especially close to the craft makers and artisans in Extremadura. I adore all the beautiful work with copper, embroidery, lace, ceramics, weaving and more that express my land and its character, our customs, and traditions. I would love to think that my work falls into the 'artistic-craft' genre where the lines between the two words are blurred. Work that requires skills but also artistic abilities, imagination, and unique perspective."
The future
"There is a lot more interest in high-quality traditional craft and audiences are more willing to buy products that are interesting, individual, and handmade; pieces that have a bit of soul, have a story, and a personal side that makes them more precious. I am interested in promoting this return to a preference for the unique and the handmade. I'm excited about a very special and unique piece I created in collaboration with Jonathan Anderson (Loewe) that stands more than 3 meters high for an exhibition in Shanghai."
Javier runs courses from his studio workshop during which he likes to introduce students to other contemporary Spanish artisans and the artisan product-based cuisine at his favorite restaurants. "They represent my passion for simple and authentic things in my environment; heritage, excellence, creativity and people who speak and transmit these values with passion. Everyone is welcome. If you visit Madrid please stop by!"
@javiersanchezmedina
