Jeweler Stechelie Samedi hopes to craft a better future for Haiti, one handmade creation at a time

CAP-HAÏTIEN — Seashells, papier-mâché, crocheted threads formed into necklaces, earrings that includes “Vèvè” designs highlighting “Haitian Vodou” and bracelets outline Atelier Scheilt Création. Based by jeweler Stechelie Samedi in 2015, the jewellery studio reached a brand new milestone this month with a grand opening exhibit showcasing the richness of Haiti’s tradition.

On the Dec. 22 occasion, Samedi was proud to point out attendees the merchandise that take form in her arms, guided by her creativeness. For her, handcrafting jewellery is greater than a vocation, however a way to maintain Haiti’s historical past alive via their options and encourage others.

“We all know that issues usually are not straightforward, however we proceed to battle, resist and create,” says Samedi, 30, from her new workshop in Haiti’s second metropolis, in an interview by way of WhatsApp and messages.

“Creating, particularly via craftsmanship, is among the methods to help tradition and present that it’s important to guard what belongs to us, whereas selling our heritage in order that we don’t lose every part,” she mentioned.

With every Scheilt Création assortment, Samedi goals to convey not solely her creativity and resilience, however hope and conviction that issues will finally enhance in Haiti. For her, these works are additionally a name to the Haitian folks to reconnect with their cultural roots, worth their pure assets and lift consciousness about environmental safety.

“The nation can’t fall,” says Samedi, a smile in her voice as she spoke of her work. “I inform myself that I need to maintain on and hold producing, even when it’s not worthwhile. However folks find it irresistible.”

Along with her arms, array of binding supplies, paints and blowtorch, Samedi can trend a chunk of wooden, a plastic juice bottle, or a small seashell right into a refined piece with nice magnificence and of great worth. One creation can take Samedi a day or perhaps a month to finish, relying on the supply of supplies and the creator’s inspiration. At instances, the self-described feminist brings on youthful ladies and ladies as apprentices to assist. However principally, she designs and crafts the items by herself.

One symbolic function of her works is the usage of vèvè, non secular symbols utilized in Vodou to characterize every loa, the religious forces. Generally depicted in purple, crimson, blue and black colours, prospects are sometimes reminded of the deep connection to Haitian historical past, custom and tradition rooted in Africa.

“When inspiration isn’t flowing, a creation can take extra time to rework into a chunk that’s extra lovely and fascinating,” says Samedi. 

Childhood ardour became vocation

Samedi’s craftsmanship is a childhood dream became a actuality through the years. She began out educating herself  the talents and processes, then enrolled within the anthropology-sociology research program when she entered the Faculty of Ethnology on the State College of Haiti (UEH) in 2015. Whereas there, her jewellery making passion quickly became an actual demand from fellow college students, who praised her work and wished to purchase her creations.

“Since I used to be little, I’ve liked creating jewellery and carrying it,” Samedi recollects. “Creating my first merchandise on the market was really an act of affection.”

“The pleasure was seeing the scholars put on them and listening to that their family members appreciated my creativity. There was a deep sense of satisfaction in that, which was very rewarding for me,” Samedi says.

Samedi is the eldest of seven ladies, and has all the time stored her head on straight, striving to be a task mannequin for her family members and the younger ladies round her. 

After leaving her native Jacmel, Samedi grew up in Haiti’s capital, the place she selected to check within the anthropo-sociology fields at college. After finishing her classical research in Port-au-Prince, she additionally pursued increased training as a nurse specializing in group well being. 

A hope and a useful resource for a lot of

Through the years, Samedi, like many different artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs, has needed to face the rising insecurity in Port-au-Prince. About eight months in the past, she returned to her hometown to flee, at the least partially, the traumatic scenario within the capital. She then spent two months in Cap-Haïtien, the place she determined to host the exhibition of Scheilt Création on Dec. 22.

With greater than six exhibitions already below her belt in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, the presence within the nation’s second largest metropolis appeared a pure step.

“When moments demand a pause, you need to take it to recharge, however by no means surrender,” she says. “We all know that folks don’t actually have cash. Nobody can have simply 1,000 gourdes and select to purchase a pair of earrings. Insecurity has affected us vastly, however we have now hope and imagine in a greater tomorrow.”

Emmanuella Brumère, a pal of Samedi’s, says Scheilt’s work exhibits there’s nonetheless life in Haiti. There may be nonetheless hope and fervour among the many women and girls striving to develop their abilities.

“Samedi is a supply of motivation. Persevering with to maneuver ahead requires numerous belief and love,” Brumère informed The Haitian Occasions. “I’m all the time amazed by the simplicity of her work, and once I put on a chunk of jewellery from Scheilt, I really feel stuffed with a lot power.” 

Katiana Altiné, a classmate, has even develop into an envoy for Scheilt Création. After assembly at college, Altiné was impressed by Samedi’s braveness, energy and love for these round her.

“I believe manzè is a mannequin of resistance,” says Altiné, utilizing the Creole time period to explain an enterprising girl. 

“Regardless of all of the challenges, she stands sturdy for herself and her enterprise. I like that about her,” Altiné continued. “I hope she continues this manner in order that extra folks can uncover Scheilt Création and she will be able to showcase her work each nationally and internationally.”

For Samedi, who additionally works as a nurse specializing in group well being, it’s essential to by no means miss a chance to point out her will to stay and showcase her braveness. 

“I hope there shall be an enchancment within the scenario quickly within the nation, the place life can resume and other people will proceed to purchase our merchandise,” she says. 

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