Spreading out. Beating. Spinning. Sewing. And then starting all over again. For Marina Jiménez, from Navarre, this sequence of actions has been familiar to her since childhood. Esparto weaving is a traditional technique practiced by her grandparents and many other residents of Sesma, her hometown, where the men would pound the esparto at dawn so the women could spin it at night. In that act of “resilience and care,” Marina found inspiration to create her Degree design work , graduate DNDM. De noche y de madrugada, project consisting of four lamps that combine the esparto technique with illumination.
“This project that shared, quiet effort, transforming it into a collection of light fixtures that embody the rhythm, subject dignity of a way of life that sustained generations,” he explains.
How did the project come about?
After completing an internship at Baku-Barrikupel, a recycled business located in Zábal, I decided to launch my project and make use of the resources available in Sesma to showcase its heritage. Esparto is a handcrafted material with endless possibilities.
Did you have the partnership your neighbors?
Without the participation of the local women, this work would work have been possible. The foundation of project the weaving of esparto grass, and they taught me the traditional process. They have carried on the legacy of previous generations and are the ones keeping the technique alive.
How did you feel about participating in the “Artesparto” Fair?
I felt it was necessary because project originated there, and the community needs to be aware of its development, especially since the tradition of spinning holds a special place there.
Do you plan to continue with theDNDM project ?
I would like to raise awareness of and continue this experimentation. I want to explore other recycled materials, for example, to internship technique I’ve developed, without neglecting esparto grass.
What was the most important lesson you learned in college?
You’ll graduate with an training that gives you knowledge across a range of subjects, the ability to work on projects from start to finish, and the skills to apply these in real-world business settings. All of this is made possible by the wealth of resources and tools made available to us.

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