When I was still living in Chile, a common friend introduced me to the work of visual artist Florencia Reid. Her work has that same aesthetic liveliness that Chile radiates too: inspired by the amazing natural surroundings, with a vintage, colorful vibe and bursting with female energy. When I met her in person, I was struck by her beauty, empathy and her honest eyes. The day my life changed forever, when Pippa was born, Flor and her newborn son were staying in the room across the hall in the hospital - a memory I’ll treasure forever. Now that I was back in Chile, we reconnected in her atelier overlooking the volcanoes for a talk that went beyond art. To me, Flor radiates the essence of being a woman.

Hi Flor, can you introduce yourself to us?

Sure! My name is Florencia Reid, I’m a woman, artist and a mother to two boys, Nicanor and Samuel. I’m 42 years old and I live in Frutillar, a town by the lake in the south of Chile. I’m a graduate in arts, and I work mainly with collage, illustrations and design. Actually, my favourite projects are of a collaborative kind. I love to work in groups, that’s why I’m often involved in community projects, such as mural paintings. I feel particularly motivated when working with female artisans, and when I get to know the history behind their crafts. I’m a storyteller, so my main inspirations are people, autobiographies, history, nature, cinema, dance and music.

"I’m very motivated when working with female artisans, and when I get to know the history behind their crafts. I’m a storyteller, my main inspirations are people, autobiographies, history, nature, cinema, dance and music."

Can you tell us something more about your surroundings in Chile, and how it connects to your work?

I came to live in the south of Chile about 14 years ago, together with my partner Axel. We left the capital and started to build our life here, in Frutillar, a small town by the lake overlooking the three volcanoes of the area. The community here is very small but welcoming, lots of people are involved in music and arts. The majority of the Frutillarinos are self-employed, and work around the creative industry. It’s very satisfying to see this connection between the people and their environment. The last communal project I was involved with was a mural painting, in a cultural programme working around social fabric. The project consisted of a community vegetable garden, where we planted the streets with flowers and painted a mural, all in collaboration with the neighbors and my artistic partner Mané Moraga.

Another project I particularly loved was in the island of Chiloe, where we worked together with 11 artisan women to experiment, reflect and research their techniques. The result was an amazing cross-pollination between different generations and points of view, centre around textile and basketwork.

I know summer is ending now in Chile, and the cold autumn and winter months are about to begin. How do you experience this change of season?

You know, I’ve lived here for years now and I’m used to the cold and rainy Patagonia. But still, when summer ends I do need to prepare a bit mentally. I’m sure you remember it from when you lived here too, it rains a lot in winter! I do love that it’s never really dark. The shapes of the clouds, the colors of the trees and hills are wonderful. Nature is always moving here, and I love that.

Can you tell me a bit more about your relationship to your skin? And what about selfcare, is it something you dedicate time and attention to?

For a while now I’ve been taking care of my skin a lot more than before. I’ve implemented routines that include drinking lots of water, hydrating my skin frequently, applying sunscreen, and I never skip a good cleansing routine. What I find important is that my skin looks healthy, cared for, natural, … I don’t mind wrinkles and that you see the effect of time, but I do mind a radiant glow!

Selfcare for me goes beyond the body, it’s something I’ve learned to practice over time. It’s about exercising, having the space to connect with my work, sleeping well, dancing and allowing myself to let go and get completely distracted at times. It brings me inspiration.

"Selfcare for me goes beyond the body, it’s something I’ve learned to practice over time. It’s about exercising, having the space to connect with my work, sleeping well, dancing and allowing myself to let go and get completely distracted at times. It brings me inspiration."

How do you look at MAIWE and its products? Do you have a favourite?

What I love most about MAIWE is its connection to nature. The care, delicacy and simplicity that it represents. My favourite product is the Rosehip Oil Serum. I’m in love with its amazing colour, aroma and texture. I feel my skin is much more hydrated, but without ever leaving that oily feel. I’m so happy I’ve found it and could incorporate it in my routine! 

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Rosehip Oil Serum

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