Banana Fiber Textiles and Basketry with Pilar
Immerse in a one-of-a-kind experience with Pilar, a pioneer in transforming banana fiber into functional and sculptural textiles. Learn coiling, plaiting, twining, and needle-based techniques as you design and create your own expressive pieces. Beyond the studio, unwind on nearby beaches, explore scenic hiking trails, and discover the island’s rich archaeological and artistic heritage.
- Breakfast
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2165
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $1870
Accommodation
- One Guest
- USD $440
- Additional guest(s)
- FREE
Meet the Artist
Pilar is a philosopher-turned-fiber artist known for her pioneering use of banana plant fibers—an abundant agricultural byproduct in the Canary Islands—to create sustainable, handcrafted textiles. With more than 25 years of experience, she transforms discarded banana plants into lightweight, durable materials through manual processes requiring no water or electricity.
Raised by a weaver mother and a musician father, Pilar developed a deep connection to craft early on. In her 200-year-old studio, she blends ancestral basketry and textile needle techniques—crochet, tricot, embroidery, and needle lace—with the unique properties of banana fiber. Her work ranges from interior decor and architectural elements to fashion accessories, often featuring intricate textures and cascading light effects. Her technical skill and poetic approach to sustainable design have earned international recognition, including a residency with the U.S. ambassador in Spain.
Pilar’s work is both a conversation and a testament to mastery—shaped by her hands, surroundings, and the unseen histories of craft. She embodies a way of being, inviting learners of all backgrounds to slow down, listen to the material, and find joy in the rhythm of making. She hopes each guest is carried by the breeze through the banana groves just outside her door, discovering calm in every knot and loop.
Raised by a weaver mother and a musician father, Pilar developed a deep connection to craft early on. In her 200-year-old studio, she blends ancestral basketry and textile needle techniques—crochet, tricot, embroidery, and needle lace—with the unique properties of banana fiber. Her work ranges from interior decor and architectural elements to fashion accessories, often featuring intricate textures and cascading light effects. Her technical skill and poetic approach to sustainable design have earned international recognition, including a residency with the U.S. ambassador in Spain.
Pilar’s work is both a conversation and a testament to mastery—shaped by her hands, surroundings, and the unseen histories of craft. She embodies a way of being, inviting learners of all backgrounds to slow down, listen to the material, and find joy in the rhythm of making. She hopes each guest is carried by the breeze through the banana groves just outside her door, discovering calm in every knot and loop.
VAWAA Includes:
- Immerse yourself in the poetic and tactile world of ancestral banana fiber textile techniques.
- Learn to transform raw banana plant fibers into contemporary works of art.
- Explore how different techniques offer structural versatility and can be combined to create both two-dimensional and sculptural forms.
- Practice coiled basketry, a slow and rhythmic process that builds form through precise stitching.
- Experiment with twining techniques, both flat and in the round, to craft versatile structural shapes.
- Discover plaiting methods with multiple variations, ranging from flat to sculptural designs.
- For those experienced in needle-based textiles (knitting, crochet, embroidery), incorporate banana fiber’s unique texture and strength into personal creative projects.
- Gain insight into the meditative, cultural, and ecological significance of banana fiber within the Canary Islands landscape.
- Time permitting, visit the Foundation for Canary Islands Handicrafts, hike lush landscapes and ancient trails, or join yoga and meditation classes at nearby centers.
- Option to take a weaving workshop in the mountain village of Artenara for an additional fee.
Stay at Pilar's
Stay with Pilar is available only for a solo guest, in a private room with a double bed and access to a shared bathroom, garden, and light-filled kitchen. Her home is just 20 minutes from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s capital, with easy access to beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Pilar also shares her home with a small, well-behaved dog.
Explore Moya, Canary Islands
Moya is a quiet town in the lush north of Gran Canaria, perched 490 meters above sea level and overlooking dramatic ravines. Just a 30-minute drive from Las Palmas, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by the ancient laurel forest of Los Tilos. Guests can explore banana plantations, the Painted Cave archaeological site, and the Canary Museum’s collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts. The town honors its literary heritage at Casa-Museo Tomás Morales, the preserved home of the renowned modernist poet. Moya’s rich traditions come alive in local confections like suspiros and bizcochos lustrados, beloved staples in its charming bakeries. With year-round mild weather, cultural festivals, and vibrant craft traditions, Moya invites a slower, more grounded way to experience the Canary Islands.
Additional Details
Canary Islands offer pleasant weather year-round, making them a great destination at any time. For an especially vibrant experience, consider visiting during one of the Foundation for Canary Islands Handicrafts’ annual artisan fairs. These events celebrate local craftsmanship and include the San Telmo Fair in January and the Winter Fair in November, both held in Las Palmas; the Spring Fair South in March in San Bartolomé de Tirajana; and the Northern Fair in May in Gáldar.
This session can be extended up to 10 days or longer for special collaborations or internships. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 10 years and older accompanied by a guardian, who are able to participate with care and focus, and people with accessibility or special needs are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, Pilar’s home studio has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Pilar speaks Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Italian.
This session can be extended up to 10 days or longer for special collaborations or internships. Please add a note in your booking request.
Children 10 years and older accompanied by a guardian, who are able to participate with care and focus, and people with accessibility or special needs are welcome to participate. Unfortunately, Pilar’s home studio has stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
Pilar speaks Spanish, Portuguese, English, and Italian.