Abel Cárcamo: Preserving Tradition
fluoro spoke to Chilean industrial designer Abel Cárcamo, whose contemporary objects bring new life to the traditional techniques of artisans from the generations before him.
Chile has a rich heritage in artisan production, with handicrafts representing a strong element of the country’s creative culture. Textiles, weaving, ceramics and woodwork have all been long used to create the traditional baskets, rugs and decorative objects commonly seen in Chilean households. These objects are all crafted by hand through skilled processes that have been understood by generations.
To create his lighting, jewellery and small objects for his brand Primitivo, Cárcamo enlists the skills of local artisans. The artisans craft his designs from local materials that include ceramics, raulí (native Chilean wood) and wicker. Conscious of progressing the design industry, Cárcamo adds a contemporary element to his works through their materials and form. Terracotta is used to mould lamp fittings into unique forms, bright electrical cord is used to accompany wooden pendent lamps and ceramic lamps are coated with aluminium, copper or bronze.
Speaking with Cárcamo, his passion for traditional techniques and their preservation in future practices is evident. He holds a value for authentic design and a respect for the expertise that it takes to master the traditional techniques seen throughout his work.
(f) Why is preserving traditional making techniques important to you?
(AC) I think that traditional materials or processes continue to live, the problem is that they are not given a value that corresponds. We have to take these techniques, study them and bring them to life in the production of any piece or project. It is also super important for the development of design and the Chilean artisanal craft techniques.
(f) How have you learnt the techniques that you work with?
(AC) The artisans are the ones who are experts in the way to use the techniques. It is a collaborative process, where I have to know their way of working and the environment in which they work. Upon understanding this, I combine it with my working methodology, to attain positive results. My job is to know the limits of the materials and techniques used and to reach the goals that I am looking for in my products.
(f) What does making by hand allow you to personally achieve that digital production does not?
(AC) I am only interested in the product made by hand by the direct contact with the actual object or product; it is important to feel and live each developmental part of the object. This allows the designer to achieve an original product that can have its own certain details and originality.
I do feel that it is very important to continue to advance, innovate, and merge both the digital and handmade products in order to continue to advance in the world of design.
(f) By large, how does the Chilean design industry value the role of traditional craft and materials?
(AC) Chile is a country that has many resources in the area of artisanal production. Currently I believe that Chilean designers know how to take advantage of these resources and show the world that Chile can produce good design. There is an appreciation of the traditional crafts, but I think that there is still a lack of more development in this area in order to expand the learning of each handmade craft to the next generation.
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Cárcamo is based in Santiago, Chile and when not working on his own creations is a Professor at the University of the Americas, Santiago.
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