Susana Gonçalves transforms stones and wool into unique pieces, giving them life and value. A native of the Algarve, it is one of many artisans who fight daily to keep the tradition alive. Your personal project, “Zandalas Mandalas”came after a turnaround in his professional life with the 2019 crisis. He was born from the desire to transform a hobby into livelihood.
Its hand -made pieces with a strong energy charge reflect their resilience and creativity. “Since a girl I always liked manual work, but life took me on other ways and went to the administrative area. I only returned to crafts when my life went around because of the crisis in 2019,” says the artisan.
Scarce support combined with willpower
Artisans increasingly face obstacles in the exercise of the profession and Susana is an example of this. In the Algarve, handicrafts remains an authentic expression of local culture, but little seems to improve the artisan. “Unfortunately, people like our work, but they don’t value it”regrets. “They always think it’s expensive, but they forget that a piece may take a month or more ready.”
The lack of recognition of the work behind each creation is just one of many challenges. Public supports are scarce and sales opportunities are often concentrated in the summer months.
“In winter, if you don’t sell online, you don’t give. There are not many fairs. There is one at Christmas, another in November, and then only in spring and summer. In the rest of the year, we have no place to show our work.”he explains.
To compensate, Susana diversified her pieces: In addition to the mandalas, she began to make bracelets and sell crystals. “We worked hard and we earn little. It’s not easy to be an artisan in Portugal”vents.
Associations that support artisans
In an attempt to guarantee some stability, Susana associated themselves with ANDone of the oldest Tavira handicraft associations. Founded in 2001, the Tavira Arts and Flavors Association It is today a reference in support for local handicrafts. Headquartered House of the artisannext to the castle, has a space dedicated to the sale of regional products and the holding of workshops in partnership with the municipality. But it is on the streets and gardens of Tavira that the most stands out.
For Susana, stable and permanent structures are lacking. “There should be fixed tendon or space with affordable licenses, so we can show our work all year round”defends. Considers the association essential: “Asta is the one that organizes the most fairs in Tavira and has more members. Without it, it was much more difficult to have visibility.”
An uncertain future
As for the future of Algarve handicrafts, Susana does not hide skepticism. “I hope it gets better, but I don’t know. Older artisans, like the lactors, are disappearing. Young people are no longer interested.” Resistance to the new is another growing obstacle. “People are used to what they have always seen. When they see something different, they don’t recognize it as crafts. They are afraid of difference.”
Despite everything, Susana doesn’t give up. Like many other artisans, he keeps tradition alive and makes his passion a form of life.
MARTA SANTOS / HENRIQUE DIAS Freire
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