Cohana and Ninigi Vol.8 Aitor Saraiba in Spain
Series Cohana and Ninigi
In this series, we would like to share stories and the latest information related to handicrafts, focusing on the "people" who passionately work in various fields of handicrafts.
Cohana and Ninigi Vol.8
Aitor Saraiba in Spain
Aitor Saraiba is an artist living in Spain. Studied & received his degree in Fine Arts from the University of Cuenca, Spain. Since graduation, he has published several books of drawings and poems, and has received recognition and various awards in a wide range of fields.
He is a master of the medium. His artistic expression has no boundaries in regard to medium. He chooses the medium of his choice at the time: drawing, ceramics, textiles, painting, video, photography, etc. His artworks have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the world.
The rich emotions and great liberality lie in his artworks. His philosophy as an artist also as a human being, reaches out to many people and have been embraced by them.
In recent years, his activities as a textile artist & a yarn maker have been flourishing. We cannot take our eyes off of him.
The article will be divided into two parts, Vol. 7 and Vol. 8. In this second half Vol.8, we interview more about Mr. Saraiba's works and his thoughts.
If you missed the 1st part Vol.7, please tap HERE to read it.
How was your trip to Japan this year 2024?
In Japan I always learn a lot of things, always more than I can imagine. In addition to the workshops I teach, I like to go as a student with other artisans. Sashiko or natural dye teachers.
I usually learn a lot by walking, observing the silence of the trees and the noise of the city, I enjoy both things equally. Both the city and its speed and the calm and silence of the temples.
Japan always heals my soul.
What do you find attractive about Japanese handicrafts in your activities around the world?
Japanese craftsmanship is a perfect example for all of us who work in this field. The craftsmanship, the design, the care, the value and the respect for craftsmanship in Japan is exquisite. Every time I travel to Japan my inspiration soars, I learn from every corner, from every piece, from every person I meet.
As for textiles, Japanese craftsmanship is one of my favorites, their work with indigo, sashiko, boro, embroidery, it's a universe that never ceases to inspire me.
Please show us your most recent works or your favorite works, and let us know the story about them.
My piece inspired by Japanese sashiko and boro. That since I discovered it I found a great resemblance with a lot of the essence of what I saw my grandparents and my mother doing to repair and darn clothes. In this piece I have also embroidered many elements of European pre-Christian paganism. The beliefs that existed in Europe before the arrival of Christianity have a great influence on my work. I believe that this piece unites cultural and spiritual threads from very different places but that in the end we are more similar than we imagine.
This doll is made with a piece of fabric that I dyed with walnut shells. Then I added pieces of fabric that I had kept for a long time and that had a special meaning for me. This seemed to me the most dignified and beautiful way to give them life.
This amulet is inspired by the scapulars of my country, Spain. They are a kind of amulet that has fallen into disuse. It is made with the wool of my sheep and one of my favourite tools, the Pokeori.
Please show us your workspace.
My workplace is a place where I try to make time stand still. I surround myself with natural, handmade and vintage materials. All of this creates the perfect harmony for me to work in.
In Spain there has always been a great textile tradition and it is easy to find high quality old sewing materials from the fifties and sixties.
A lot of the material I use in my work are buttons and threads from more than 50 years ago, made in Spain, which I always find lost in old shops and markets in their beautiful old boxes.
Tell us about your creative inspirations.
My inspiration comes from two places. From my daily life and personal biography and from my spiritual beliefs. Art will always be the way to be close to the gods. To connect with the invisible worlds and in that way to know ourselves, which is the greatest adventure a human being can live.
What do you value in your creative activities?
The subject matter I deal with in my works is one of the things I am most careful about, as well as the materials I use to create the work.
But perhaps the most important thing is the process, the process of creating the work, the emotions that mutate during the process of creation. The healing through each and every stitch.
What are your future aspirations?
My new book is now available in Spain. My dream would be to have this book translated into Japanese so that my followers there could get closer to this intimate work that I have been doing for the last 7 years. In my book there is a chapter just about my textile experience in Japan, and it is without a doubt my favorite chapter in the book.
This November 2025 I will travel to Japan again to conduct new workshops. I am very excited that my work is understood and valued in this country that I love.
This 2025 brings me many new projects and events such as my workshops in London and Nantes (France) as well as participation in Madrid in a large textile exhibition in a museum on textile art.
From Aitor's perspective, we can rediscover the beauty of Japanese culture and traditions. Through the artworks, we once again get in touch with the lost magic of the handmade, which is beautiful. We look forward to your future achievements!
Aitor's Favorite Cohana
Awaji Kawara Magnetic Needle Rest with Needle Polisher
I have never seen it before and it is beautiful in design and meaning. To be able to bring some of my favorite needles back to life is wonderful. It's a really useful tool and one that I didn't know about until I found it on Cohana.
