Impact
Tili Wiru (Beautiful light) Woven Pendants
Tili Wiru (Beautiful light) Woven Pendants
Tili Wiru (Beautiful light) is a unique social impact project developed by Koskela in collaboration with Tjanpi Desert Weavers. This project builds on the success of the Yuta Badayala collaboration between Koskela and the weavers from Elcho Island Arts.
Tjanpi Desert Weavers is a social enterprise established in 1995 by the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council. This enterprise provides an income source for hundreds of women who collect local grasses, known as Tjanpi, from the bush and weave them into baskets, sculptures, and lighting.
The Tili Wiru range of lighting is a result of a three-year-long collaboration, launched in 2012. This range of lighting features the traditional works of Tjanpi, incorporating their colors and designs. The collaboration was a labor of love for Koskela, and they take pride in creating sustainable income sources for the Tjanpi weavers while preserving their culture and traditions. Tili Wiru is a shining example of how social impact projects can create a positive impact on society while promoting and preserving cultural heritage.
These are words from some of the weavers about Tjanpi and what it means to them:
“What better kind of work is there?… It is strong and important work. We are happy doing it.— Paniny Mick
As with the Yuta Badayala lighting range, each lampshade is unique and what is woven onto the frame is entirely determined by the weaver. Some of the lampshades feature handmade beads, native grasses and raffia. We love their exuberance and they are sure to bring a smile to any room in which they’re featured.
It’s the same way when we make Tjanpi work, sitting around with family and sharing stories. Sometime joking around, sometimes talking serious, but always sharing stories. Family is where we learn from each other and how we hear all the news.
— Jennifer Mitchell
