Ukas: Unraveling the Past, Present and Future of My Weaving Story

This photo essay expands on the exhibition of my work titled Channel (2023) and my artist talk presented at the 8th Annual Philippine Studies Symposium: “Translocating Textiles: Cross-border Perspectives on Traditional Weaving Practices from the Philippines and South East Asia” at SOAS University of London in November 2024. The purpose is to trace and share my journey and artistic practice as a weaver so far. Using the autoethnographic approach in which the researcher shares and analyses their own personal lived experiences in connection to broader social and cultural meanings, I reflect on my background as a designer and muralist, the discovery of my ancestral lineage of weavers rooting my weaving practice, the learning process of weaving, community engagement with weavers in Northern Philippines, teaching workshops, and how these varying experiences and perspectives have influenced my journey. Through imagery, such as exhibition photos, geographic images, family photos, documentation of trial and error within the weaving process, I tell my story of becoming a weaver with vulnerability and gentleness. As a weaver who practices mainly in diaspora, I learned the value of both traditional and contemporary work. With my work rooted in family history and cultural textile traditions, I discovered that you must learn the foundations but also push the limits, exploring and expressing oneself based on personal lived experiences. Our stories are important too. Through my art-based research, I also learned about the undervalued labour and working conditions of weavers in the Ilocos Region in contrast to the Western world’s romanticization of weaving traditions. I hope as I share my stories and research, people will truly value the work of weavers in the Philippines and pay artisans a living wage so they may thrive and continue the work that they do. I do not and cannot assume I know what these weavers and communities in the Philippines need, but I do believe it’s important to commit to returning to them, year after year if possible, to nurture our relations. Through this relationship building, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the problems and needs of weaving communities and give back in a way that is impactful.