THE CORNUCOPIA STORY:
How it All Started
My name is Javiera Garcia, and I’m a fiber artist from Chile. I moved to the United States in 2016 to be with my wife. The path of art and creation has been present throughout my life, fostered by my mother’s encouragement and example. When she gave me a loom for my 13th birthday, I discovered a passion for fiber as an artistic medium. I began exploring techniques in weaving, embroidery, punch needle, and tufting, always as a self-taught artist.
In 2021, when I was 6 months pregnant, I asked my wife for a tufting kit. I was intrigued by the careful and complex process, and I began to practice. Shortly after, my family and I moved to Mexico for 9 months. Since my 5-foot tufting frame didn’t fit in my suitcase, I put tufting on hold to immerse myself in the rich artistic traditions of Oaxaca. That journey opened my mind as an artist and helped me find my style. There, I discovered that my inspiration comes from the simple elements in nature and its rich colors, which don't always have to be literal as nature often strikes me as supernatural. I also realized that the meaning of my art pieces can be found in our everyday lives. I believe that each piece is not just decoration; it can be used and cared for, fostering an interaction beyond sight.
Each design is create on my iPad, where I visualize and draw my ideas before projecting them onto the fabric. Then comes the tufting stage, which can take several days to complete. Afterwards, I apply glue, cut each piece, and place the backing. The final step is carefully carving the fibers to add depth, texture, and definition. The final product is a unique reflection of my vision and an invitation to infuse life with handcrafted textile charm.
