The Knotting Tree (A Árvore dos Nós)

Other Info

Elena Stowell is an author, science teacher, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. When she is writing and illustrating, Elena can be found at a table with a real #2 pencil and her favorite pair of scissors buried in paper scraps, dried paint, glue-sticks, broken toothpicks, and half-empty coffee cups. “Working in collage puts me in my happy place, which is pretty messy.”

Elena is the award-winning author of Flowing with the Go: A Jiu-Jitsu Journey of the Soul. She is co-founder of the non-profit Carly Stowell Foundation and director of the JamminBJJ Give the Gift of a Gi program. Her volunteer work helps make sports and music participation affordable and accessible to children and adults around the world. You can follow Elena through her website at www.elenastowell.com.

Robert the Macrame Craftsman

Robert Prado da Fonseca is a gaucho born in a small town in Rio Grande do Sul, where local traditions and culture are deeply rooted in everyday life. From an early age, he learned to value working with his hands. When life was challenging, he found art was a soothing escape.

Robert first became interested in macramé at a time of personal crisis, when he needed a way to express his emotions and connect with himself.

With an open heart, he began experimenting with macramé. The technique, which involves intertwining ropes and threads to create beautiful decorative pieces, became his passion. For Robert, every knot and loop was more than just movements—they were a form of therapy that helped him heal emotional wounds and find inner peace.

When Robert decided to dedicate himself to macramé, he created pieces that reflected his gaucho culture, incorporating elements of nature and symbols that represent his homeland. His creations often contain a semi-precious stone that has meaning for the wearer. From his simple stone necklaces to his intricate animal pieces, Robert’s talent soon caught the attention of the local community and, eventually, people from other regions.

Robert firmly believes that macramé transforms lives. It gives his life purpose. He also believes that art is for everyone—and so, he shares his knowledge with others.

Robert’s story is one of resilience and transformation. Not only did he overcome his difficulties, but he also found a way to help others do the same through art. For him, each piece created is a story of overcoming, a connection with the land, and its animals, and, above all, a celebration of life.

He cherishes the lessons from his avó (grandmother) and celebrates them in his heart and macramé.