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Famchoy leading the Lao participants in the Opening Ceremonies of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market in July. |
We had the chance to follow up with Yao Mien artisan Famchoy Saely a few weeks after she returned from her summer tour of the United States with Co-Director Thongkhoun Soutthivilay. She shared with us some of the highlights of her trip and some of the new insights she gained.
Q: What were your expectations going to America?
A: I expected to see many different kinds of handicraft products from around the world, to see big and colorful cities and see new things different from Laos.
Q: So then what was it like actually seeing artisans and handicrafts from other places around the world?
A: I’m very happy that I met many people from different cultures and ethnicities around the world. I felt excited and proud that I had the chance to be at Santa Fe. It was very beautiful.
Q: What was your favorite part of the International Folk Art Market?
A: My favorite part was seeing the big pot used for indigo dying. I think I can use it to dye things at my home. It’s quite easy.
Q: What were some of the most memorable new experiences you had in America overall?
A: The first thing was the nice welcome we received when we arrived in the US. The people there are quite nice. The second thing was that this trip gave me an opportunity to meet my cousins there. My cousins and I have not seen each other for 30 years.
Q: What part of your experience have you shared the most with your community back in Laos?
A: The part I have shared the most is how to produce many different kinds of handicrafts like I saw at Santa Fe Market. Another thing is the indigo dying tool. It was motivating to other artisans in my village to see that our handicrafts could sell so well, too.
Q: What do you appreciate more now about Laos after your experience overseas?
A: Laos is small, but we’re proud that we have a nice culture and interesting handicraft products.
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Famchoy at the Santa Fe Museum of International Folk Art . |