Knit One, Purl Two Print

Here I take a little trip back to South of the Equator a the little village nestled deep in the Andean Mountains, where they still weave in the manner of their ancestors. It is the village of Ccaccaccollo in the Sacred Valley between Cusco and Machu Picchu, where one must leave the beaten trail to visit this wonderful cooperative. The time weathered faces were only too happy to show us their wares, and how they create them on their hand looms, and dying the alpaca wool with plants to achieve the brilliant colors. There are no little trinkets with "made in China" on any of these items, and thanks to G Adventures outfitters they are not having to peddle their goods on the street and alleys of Cusco, alongside the 100's of "Travel Agents" lining the sidewalks. I loved the traditional dress, all hand made and well kept, and the beautiful faces, with gnarled hands working away with the wool. There is something about the "simpler life" that is really not that simple, but it is life. And it is beautiful. I look forward to painting again another from this little village. "Knit One, Purl Two" 16x12" oil