About Luma Kuna

 

Luma Kuna was born in 2023, founded by Peruvian-Australian artist Vanessa Sotieles as a space to explore the connection between art, craft, and cultural memory. Based in Canberra, the studio began through collaborations with Peruvian artisans—blending ancestral techniques with contemporary design.

Now, Luma Kuna is entering a new chapter. As the journey unfolds, so does the vision—expanding beyond artisan-made pieces to also embrace Vanessa’s personal art practice. From handwoven textiles to minimalist paintings and symbolic digital works, each creation is rooted in a deep respect for process, materiality, and story.

The studio is becoming a slower, more intentional space—part portfolio, part archive, part invitation. Alongside the work itself, Vanessa shares reflections from behind the scenes in a journal of quiet thoughts, evolving ideas, and the rhythms of creative life.

Luma Kuna is not just about what is made—it’s about how it’s lived into.

Founder and Creative Director

Meet Creative Director Vanessa Sotieles

Artist, designer, and mother, Vanessa Sotieles founded Luma Kuna as a way to honor Peru’s ancestral craftsmanship while exploring her own creative voice. With a deep commitment to sustainability and ethical making, she sees each piece as a bridge—connecting cultures, generations, and the stories we carry.

The name Luma Kuna is rooted in love and lineage: a blend of her daughter Uma’s name and the Quechua word kuna, meaning “to give.” It reflects a personal journey of creating with intention, staying connected to heritage, and offering something meaningful to others.

Through both her collaborative and personal work, Vanessa invites us to slow down, celebrate true craft, and keep these timeless traditions alive for future generation.

BIO & ARTIST STATEMENT