Where Craft Becomes Art.
AND WHERE ARTISANS BECOME ARTISTS
We connect the unique creative expressions of global artisans and folk artists with lovers of art, culture and craftsmanship.
Welcome to (the new) Proud Mary.
OUR STORY
Just like our collections, Proud Mary is the beautiful creative outcome of collaboration, dialogue and friendship.
After working with global artisans for over 20 years, we came together to co-create a new model. One that brings fine art into inspired spaces around the world while celebrating artisans’ skilled heritage on the global design stage.
Based on our years of work in textile design, artisan sourcing and craft development, we knew there had to be a better way to create a thriving, global craft economy. We saw artisan cooperatives receive the wholesale orders – but not the re-orders. We saw artisans’ handwork repurposed by major brands without compensation – or even recognition. And we saw how in spite of the handcraft economy growing year over year, most artisans still live below the poverty line.
So we decided to launch a radical new model for consumers to support the preservation of handcraft.
By elevating craft as what it truly is – fine art – we knew we could find a more impactful way to support the economic advancement of artisans everywhere. A way that drives more value to artisan communities, brings more meaning to consumers, offers a truly timeless product, and actually sustains our planet.
We’re so inspired and grateful to have you here,
xx, Harper & Benita
Our values
In a world of commodification, choose elevation.
The mass production of traditional craft has decreased margins for artisans and increased our adverse environmental impacts. We aspire to create a world in which we abandon commodification and embrace the elevation of craft as art that lives in our beloved spaces forever.
True wealth is built when your income no longer depends SOLELY on your time.
It’s time for artisans everywhere to create true wealth that isn’t earned by the hour – but wealth that comes from sharing their singular moments of skilled heritage with as many people as possible.
HONORING CRAFT AS ART IS NOT A REVOLUTION. It’s A Return.
Far from revolutionary, our work is a return to the origin of where we have long found beauty and inspiration. Our vision is not to create new things, but to reveal the art of craft which has inspired us for centuries - and re-tell those stories.
LESS IS MORE. And Less can create more.
For too long, we’ve told consumers that our consumption can lift artisans out of poverty - but it hasn’t necessarily worked. Let’s redefine conscious consumption by seeing artisans as artists. And by becoming collectors of their limited edition art - rather than consumers of prolific product.
Our Mission
To provide all artisans – regardless of their location, digital connectivity, language or craft medium – with the opportunity for their craft to become art.
Our Art
Each piece of art in our collections is co-created with some of the world’s most talented artisans.
It starts with a tiny spark. A textile swatch or an image which takes us on a journey to uncover the origin of our inspiration.
We then commission original works from the global artisans and folk artists behind our inspiration. Their pieces serve as the foundation for our fine wall art prints.
Printed on archival, 100% acid-free cotton rag paper, each limited edition prints represents a radical way to support the preservation of craft - and advance the livelihoods of global artisans.
Stay In Touch. Stay Inspired.
Every week, we share what’s inspiring us in the storied world of craft, tidbits of wisdom from our partner artisans, and general inspiration on living a life of beautiful intention.
