Photo Series: Guatemala by Céline Gaiardo
Céline Gaiardo is an entrepreneur and creative who has spent the past decade living between France and Central America. She collaborates closely with artisans to source and craft handmade home goods, building bridges between traditional makers and the global market.
Céline worked with woven textiles, first with the Cojolya Weaver Association and more recently through her own brand, Coutume. While working in the field, she also learned invaluable lessons about cultural preservation from the people she partnered with.
As a photographer, Céline has documented her life, work, and travels through Guatemala and Mexico, capturing rural landscapes, the slower pace of life, and artisans at work, showcasing their craftsmanship.
"Lake Atitlán is full of little wonders for photographers: the golden light, the quiet waters reflecting the clouds and the volcanoes, the wilderness, and the wide-open spaces. There is something almost indescribable about this place. It pulls you in with the details, the rhythmic clapping of hands shaping tortillas, or the steady gait of a woman balancing a basket on her head. Each time I return, I reconnect with the people—their profound humanity, hearty laughter, and immense kindness. I continue to be inspired by the families and friends who pour so much energy into their art and heritage, enriching their culture and communities."
