LiA Week 5 Reflection Make_sense Perú

This week, much of our time was devoted to other organizations. We visited Killa Natural for a workshop on fabric stamping and helped with a fair where Yanesha and Shipibo-Konibo artisans showcased and sold their works. We also had our final museum visit (:() to the Museo Nacional del Perú.

Aug 13, 2024

Lain Nelson

Student, Cornell University

Liked by Jiayi Guo

What went well?

We had the opportunity to visit Killa Natural, participating in a workshop where we stamped fabric with Peruvian plants. There, we were able to hear more about the stories of the indigenous Yanesha artisans and learn how they incorporate their values of love and doing no harm into every garment. From the sourcing of fabric to the family participation in creation to the re-use of scraps, Killa creates beautiful pieces in harmony with nature.

We then helped put on an art fair hosted by Killa Natural and Comunidad Cantagallo groups, where artisans of the Yanesha and Shipibo-Konibo communities respectively showcased and sold their works. The Shipibo-Konibo community in Cantagallo not only relies on theirs crafts as an essential source of income, but is also able to express their worldview through the Kené design system.

Quechua Artist at the Museo Nacional del Perú

Saphi then visited the Museo Nacional del Perú, the National Mueseum of Peru, as our final museum visit (:(). There, we saw a beautiful exhibit on popular art that showcased some beautiful works from Quechua and Shipibo-Konibo communities. I was surprised by just how familiar and identifiable these design patterns have become to me.

Finally, on Friday we visited Casa Ronald McDonald for their showcase, helping them where there event to promote volunteer engagement. There, we head the stories of different volunteers, reflecting on how working with Casa to provide a home to families with children in need of medical attention is not merely charity work. Instead, sharing joy with the families provides a sense of love and security, taking people away from their preoccupations.

What could have been done differently?

I think we could have visited less sites and instead focused more on producing diverse content for Saphi, although they really helped us to contextualize Peruvian culture.

What did I learn about myself when working with others?

Sometimes the way to take care of myself is to take care of others.

What did I learn about leadership?

Leadership can be letting someone else speak.

What do I want to develop or focus on next?

I want to work on preparing for our showcase on Monday and wrapping up some of the videos that we have set in motion, including our Instagram takeover.

Lain Nelson (They/Them)

Student, Cornell University

Lain is an undergraduate majoring in computer science and Cornell's College Scholar Program, where they study inclusive natural language processing. They intend to graduate in 2026. Lain grew up in New York City. They love performing, and have been onstage at Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden and Citi Field. They also love to learn from others and will happily engage in intellectual conversations (especially when someone else is excited). They hope to work in making AI more inclusive.

Here is a little introductory video made for the Cornell Laidlaw Program.