Handmade Atitlan Butterflies Set of 3 Ceramic Sculptures (Guatemala)

This handmade creation is offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.I love Guatemala's natural environment, its beautiful colors are a constant source of inspiration, says Jose Arriola with obvious pride. He crafts this set of three ceramic butterflies by hand, the larger one holding a smaller one on its wings.

Product Features:

• Small: 2.2" H x 2.4" W x 0.4" D
• Medium: 2.6" H x 3.6" W x 0.4" D
• Large: 3.7" H x 4.1" W x 0.6" D
• Weight: 5.64 oz
• Colors: Blue, Green, Pink
• Material: Ceramic, Acrylic painting
• Display stand included
• Decorative Sculpture
• Care instruction: Wipe clean with a dry cloth
• Made in Guatemala

Story Behind the Art:

My full name is Jose Antonio Arriola Rodenas and I come from a happy family that has lived in Antigua for more than 100 years! My grandparents lived with us, as well as two uncles from my mother's side with their families. master carver and he was known for his relief work His work has been awarded by the government and it graces Guatemala's National Palace as well as the US Embassy On my mother's side, five generations have been dedicated to the beautiful craft of ceramic arts. That meant that at home we had two workshops - my father's where I worked with one assistant, and my mother's where they specialized in ceramics. Dad's workshop was too serious and for me, everyone seemed to have fun at my mom's. That's how I first got into ceramics, I spent my school holidays there and learned the craft. My siblings and I would receive some pocket money for you to buy whatever we pleased, and I used to spend it on fireworks and sweets. figurines.

The traditional arts and crafts of Guatemala had had many ups and downs. We went through bad times when we worked hard and barely earned anything. During the Civil War (1977 - 1984) tourism was low and we could hardly sell a thing. However, we managed to pull through as a family. Do not ask me how, but we never lacked food on our table - we could be lacking in many things during the Civil War, but we never lacked food. I studied for the second year in university but dropped out in 1979 when I got married, as I had to get a job to provide for my family My first job, as an adult, was at my mother's workshop, where I learned All that I could and earned enough wages for my new family There was a boom in tourism in 1986 and, thanks to the foreigners interested in my work, I earned enough to pay up all of my debts (there were quite a few!) and I even managed to build my own home, where I also built my own workshop I think God has always blessed me and now I'm doing well.
 

I like saying that I've always worked with clay, even when I was in my mother's womb because I have always been surrounded by ceramics - they are a part of my life and education. to teach others WHO Become my Apprentices and are interested in ceramic arts, since my children are not. They have seen me suffer and Have lived through the ups and downs So They would rather follow a different path. I consider myself to be timely, honest and creative, and these are the qualities that I look for when I recruit apprentices and assistant ceramists. I love my craft, the whole process is beautiful, from acquiring the clay to the finishing touches on a piece. I am inspired by my country.

Please allow 10 business days for the product to leave our warehouse and to receive tracking information. You should expect to receive this item within 15 business days.