Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting one of the most interesting people I have met since I came to Kyrgyzstan.
Anne Laure-Py, owner of Craftspring is helping to realize the dreams of many handicraft producers in Central Asia. She is diving right into impoverished communities in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China – meeting with local craftsmen and then helping them expand their business by selling their products abroad.
She came to visit us yesterday at Shai-Kesh, and from Shai-Kesh we went to some studios that dotted the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The studios that we went to were really where some of the raw and tough work was done. At these studios they prepare the wool for shyrdaks and the inside of yurts. Watching these women working with this thick, heavy wool in the burning sun was so impressive. It reminded me a lot of the work that the women who constructed houses made of reed did in Bolivia. The signs of this difficult work were visible in their rough hands, dark skin, and eyes. Despite the challenges they obviously faced the women were still all laughs and smiles when we arrived at their studio.
At Shai-Kesh we purchase wool and felt that has already been cleaned. I have never been able to see the really difficult process that cleaning and preparing wool requires. It was really eye-opening to see this work being done.
no tenia idea como se trabajaba la lana, pero ahora ya se el trabajo q implica hacerlo… ojala valiera mas tanto esfuerzo
Hi Andrew:
This was really very interesting. I also had a chance to look at the website for Craftspring which was fascinating as well. Many of the articles about Central Asian crafts were pretty recent as the crafts from this area of the world begin to spring into conscriousness. It was also inspirig to see that the Craftspring products are sold in over 70 stores. Best of luck.
Love/DJ
dearest
andrew……..your experiences are more and more wondrous….how will you ever be able to settle down and deal with everyday life when you become a simple “civilian”?we are very excited about seeing you in June/July . the experience of spending some time at the Smithsonian is very tempting to us. we spent time there one afternoon many years ago when we travelled north in the summer….saw as much as we could squeeze in in about four hours of sightseeing. we plan to spend about 5 days in a hotel that is in walking distance. we hope our legs hold out. love you to the furthest etc., etc., etc. G & G
It was great to see you. You look and sound so wonderful, and you are doing such fine work over there. We look forward to your next visit!
Love,
Fran
Hey Andrew! I love reading your blogs-they are so interesting and it makes the world feel a little smaller and that you aren’t so far away-it sounds like you are thriving and happy but all of us can’t wait to see you again…I think of you every day-hope you are doing and feeling very well-love you-Pat