Artist: Suyai Experience
Gaby Carpaneto, co-founder of “Hand Craft Suyai”
Meet Gaby Carpaneto, “THE QUEEN OF WOOL.” Well she doesn’t call herself that, but I have given her that name for her artistic talent in guiding her clients through a beautiful experience of creating a woven wool throw, using only ones arms and hands. A unique experience inspired by ancient culture, which in turn provides one with so much more than a completed product, but an awareness of one’s self, emotions and unexplored skills.
Gaby, is from Argentina, but has spent the past 31 years living in Montevideo, Uruguay. Inspired by the realization that knitting gave her peace, Gaby now shares her love for meditation, intention and the importance of connecting with the earth and universe through the SUYAI EXPERIENCE.
“The moment I stepped into Gaby’s home, where she uses part of her space for Suyai Workshops, I instantly felt at peace. A calming environment which is highlighted with the candles, music, soft light and wonderful energy of Gaby. We started our workshop off with some meditation to slow down our minds and connect to the ball of wool Gaby placed in our laps. We then watched carefully as Gaby directed us through creating a woven wool throw using only our arms and hands! I instantly thought wow! I need to document this unique experience at some point - which was extremely difficult to do at that point with wool wrapped in my hands, haha. So needless to say, I was thrilled when after the workshop, Gaby reached out to me to capture some portraits of her and the Suyai Experience. I am so excited to share the final photos, and more importantly this in-depth interview where you can get to know more about Gaby and Suyai! ENJOY!!” - Miranda
Behind the scenes of photographer Miranda Boller and Gaby Carpaneto.
“SUYAI in Mapuche, the language spoken by the indigenous community in Patagonia, means HOPE, and we believe in that.” - Gaby
Where did you grow up, and do you feel like this has affected your vision for your art/workshop?
I was born in Buenos Aires Argentina. Since I was very young, I have felt a connection with the countryside and the south of Argentina. Specifically, Patagonia region, a magical place for those to connect with nature. It has influenced my sensitivity and how I look at the country, continent, world and the planet. It was there where I started discovering indigenous cultures, specifically the Mapuche from Patagonia.
Gaby in her home in Montevideo, Uruguay
Tell me three interesting facts about you
I see myself as a very intuitive and sensitive person with great team working skills.
I’m passionate for discovering and working with tools to help others relax. I work with the idea of slowing down - which is so very necessary these days.
The Suyai Project is the way I can put into practice the strong commitment I feel of sharing this ancient weaving technique from the Mapuche culture, considering them very wise just as the Incas, among others.
Gaby with some colorful wool
Briefly describe how you prepare for a workshop:
The prep for any workshop is very important. We first check the wool in the warehouse to find the best product that represents Suyai and Uruguay. We follow the ancient technique of using 3kg of organic wool, which is Corridale from Uruguay or Merino from Argentina. We use virgin wool, which after the sheep sheering it does not go through any chemical process, it is only washed and combed. This is why we only work with the sheep´s colours, white, chocolate brown and mink. Our wool is 100% organic.
Once we receive the giant coils of around a total of 10kg we begin the stage of great discovery working with our hands to make the wool balls. Despite the heavy work this is where the connection really begins, getting to know the type of wool and working with it, with love and dedication. When the wool balls are ready they are placed in the workshop space, ready for the client to experience the Suyai experience.
Gaby’s studio with the wool ready for clients
What inspired you to create the Suyai Experience?
Suyai is not just a workshop, it’s a sensory experience, where wool is the guiding thread to achieve and explore our hidden skills - from our meditation, to the pride felt after creating our own woven wool throws. We observe the sensations that emerge and many other emotions. We’re inspired by the guiding thread that leads to crying, laughter and above all - one discovers that you can achieve anything you desire in life with love and intention.
Gaby with the wool used to create a wool throw
Briefly describe a Suyai Workshop:
We start every workshop with a short meditation. Here you give yourself the gift of TIME and slowing down. The wool ball is placed in your arms and you smell and embrace it. You connect with the wool, nature and life before we even start creating the throw.
In SUYAI we learn to weave, but as it is such an ancient technique, in which we use our arms, we start this incredible sensorial journey where we realize how necessary small moves are. A slight challenge, where the final achievement is only yours. For two hours I guide you step by step as we engage in the legacy of ancient cultures and create a throw you can take home. Beautiful throws that will warm those who wove them or those who got them as a gift. This also teaches sharing.
It is a bonding experience as well. We’ve even had groups that have become inseparable friends after this experience. Everyone works at their own pace and the final woven wool throw is unique for each person as it carries the weaver’s handprint and love dedicated throughout the workshop. In Suyai, in those two hrs everyone leaves with their own throws despite having no previous experience.
Clients creating a wool throw at Gaby’s SUYAI Workshop
What are your goals for your client to achieve during the workshop?
Ordered by importance:
1. Give yourself some space
2. Disconnect, meditate, dedicate the wool ball (at this point all sorts of feelings and sensations emerge and we invite those who want to share this magic, honest and healing moment).
3. Achieve patience
4. Achieve self confidence
5. Achieve concentration
Finally, to get to know these unknown skills.
Creating a wool throw, using only your arms and hands.
“Working with our hands and arms, handcrafting a throw or other pieces that will then warm someone, is something wonderful that empowers us, builds self confidence and invites us to value end respect nature and caring for the environment. Just the wool and our hands in perfect harmony!" - Gaby
How long does an average workshop take?
Our workshops run for approximately 2 hours. Depending on each of the participants’ ability, their self confidence or fear of a new experience. It also depends on the group proposal. When we have a group of friends generally chatting is involved (which is also amazing) and there can be delays. There are also some times where someone doesn’t believe they can make the blanket or handle making mistakes so they have to reset their energy and try again. A great challenge for some, but great for the soul!
The corporate workshops are generally more agile where concentration is key to get the job done and achieve teamwork results. These also focus on post-pandemic reuniting or meeting groups.
Gaby with colorful wool.
What's your favorite piece you have created and why?
There are two:
A scarf with the colors of my children’s rugby club
A throw I wove for my son Lucas while we were in Baltimore USA before his marrow transplant, his brother was the donor. A very critical time, but in MY THROW it was recorded and intended that his health would improve and that he would use it for many years to come. And so he has!!
Describe your dream project:
To take Suyai to schools, women´s prisons, senior citizens and senior homes, parks and picnics and around the world.
Gaby with pink wool in her home in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Just for fun, what is your favorite quote?
In SUYAI we use “magic words” that help us memorize the technique and its steps. One of them and the nicest is: “Now, let´s do the Japanese.” In this way our arms stay together and the stitches don´t open.
Gaby showing the importance of keeping your arms together so the stitches don’t open.
How can people participate in your workshop?
Instagram: @suyai_uy
WhatsApp Gaby: +59897969329
Email: tecontacto.suyai@gmail.com
Contact Gaby for coordination of your own personal workshop for: groups, open area workshops and kids or senior birthday celebrations
Zoom or on line classes also offered!
Gaby outside her home studio and with a pink wool ball in Montevideo, Uruguay
I couldn’t end this blog post without a photo of me weaving my own blanket and the final throw - with of course, Miss Kaya & Mr. Fuji posing for you all!. I hope this interview and photos inspires you to reach out to Gaby and sign up for one of her workshops!
Miranda Boller creating a throw blanket and the final throw with her two dogs.