The Master Seedwork Artisan
Portrait of Esther “Louise” Edwards, by Pro Action Photography © 2020
Meet Louise Edwards, The Master Seedwork Artisan of Antigua and Barbuda
Esther “Louise” Edwards is one of the current Master Seedworkers of Antigua and Barbuda. She describes in her own words how she came about learning this craft,
I am the first of seven children and learned from an early age that working hard is an essential key to success. I have been vending for over 50 years. At about the age of 20, I learned how to create seed work from Mrs. Ionie Braithwaite.
Over the years, I have added to the basic patterns taught to me and created my own unique patterns in this almost lost art form. I genuinely think this art should be taught in schools as this craft is unique to Antigua, just like the Frigate Bird and the Antigua Black Pineapple. If it is taught to the younger generations and anyone willing to learn it, this will help to ensure the continuation of this craft long after the last few of us still practising it are gone.
As she said so perfectly, which also captured our mission here at Botaniqué Studios, the importance of not only selling but teaching this craft to others before this unique part of our history is long gone is vital. And in true Antiguan-women fashion, Louise concludes with her gratitude,
I would like to thank Mrs. Ionie Braithwaite for teaching me this skill. I also must say a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Barbara Paca for constantly challenging me to create new and unique pieces and showcasing my work wherever she goes. Thanks also to Mrs. Anne Jonas for her continued support.
She drives it home by reminding us all that what we are doing here at Botaniqué is way beyond showcasing these arts to the global stage, but how it will impact the lives of the artisan women like Louise and her family, as well as the potential entrepreneurial women she has yet to train,
This pandemic impacted the lives of many individuals who are dependent on tourism. However, I could still make an income because Dr. Barbara Paca supported my work by procuring my products and engaging my skills as a master teacher of the craft. This craft has helped me to provide for my family by having unique and attractive items for visitors to our shores.
