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Juan and Carolina

Juan and Carolina

Hand-painted rustic wood sculptures in Central America

"Carolina is an incredible woman. I'm so fortunate to have her by my side… She helps me in every way and, together, we make a wonderful team."

"We work from the heart. Each wood carving becomes a part of our family legacy. We love creating these traditional and rustic sculptures filled with history."

Juan and Carolina are a responsible and hardworking couple whose art is more than a way to make a living. The techniques and designs have been handed down from generation to generation.

"I come from a family of artisans," Juan says. "My father created all kinds of items carved from wood and I learned from him. I always loved spending time with him in his workshop, standing right beside him. I could see the dedication he put into everything he carved and his work was marvelous. I observed everything and, little by little, I became involved.

"At first, I helped him with the simplest projects, like sanding a sculpture or applying a base coat of paint. He patiently taught me all the processes and I owe it to my father for becoming the man I am.

"When he died, it marked my life. He was my best teacher and my greatest admirer. It was so sad. But I know he'd be proud of me today."

"I was born in a world surrounded by wonderful handicrafts," Carolina says. "I found myself attracted to the beautiful work the artisans created. But it wasn't until I met Juan that I was able to describe the work involved in each piece.

"Today, Juan and I have two beautiful daughters and they're the reason we work so hard day after day. The girls are our source of strength. We're a very close family and the girls like to help with everything we do. They're already asking us to let them paint our wood carvings and I hope we can teach them everything one day, just as Juan's father taught him."

"Carolina is an incredible woman. I'm so fortunate to have her by my side. She's an admirable mother and I fell in love with her at first sight — her warmth, her simplicity, her beauty. And today, she transmits this to our daughters. She helps me in every way and, together, we make a wonderful team."

"Juan has taught me every step in crafting our sculptures, and he has done so with patience and dedication," Carolina says. "Thanks to him, I can help in many ways."

Inspired by the beauty of Guatemala, Juan and Carolina create unique images filled with color. Their rustic details give them an antique effect and they form part of the family's inheritance.

"We dream of having a home of our own where we can watch our daughters grow, and to establish a small workshop," the couple says. "We are grateful to be able to share our work here. It's a big step that will help us offer the girls a better future."

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Caring for Children

Enabling Education

78 items by Juan and Carolina

Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

36

Marlene

Verified Reviewer

04/09/2021

"Perfect!"

Many thanks to the artists, Juan and Carolina. Your statue is a tribute to my Rufus and a celebration of his life. Beautiful. Inspiring. Touches my heart and soul. Perfect.

Purchased Item:

Dedicated Saint, Hand Painted Pinewood Saint Francis Statuette

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Marie

Verified Reviewer

02/21/2021

"Beautiful Piece of Art"

This is a beautfully crafted sculpture of Saint Francis of Assisi. Great quality and the colors are gorgeous. Very unique. Muchas gacias!

Tags By Marie

Folk Art Beautiful Craftmanship Unique

Best Uses

Home Decor

Purchased Item:

Beloved Saint, Hand Painted Pinewood Saint Francis Sculpture

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Mary

Verified Reviewer

02/01/2021

"Whimsical and creative"

These artists are so creative, whimsical, and talented in their carving and their design. I can see they have passion in their work.

Tags By Mary

Fun whimsical

Best Uses

My collection

Purchased Item:

Guitarrista, Handcrafted Day of the Dead Female Guitarist Wood Statuette

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ANETTA

Verified Reviewer

01/13/2021

"Beautiful!"

So colorful with beautiful flower motives

Purchased Item:

Friend of Animals, Hand Painted Pinewood Statuette of Saint Francis

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ANETTA

Verified Reviewer

01/13/2021

"Beautiful!"

So colorful with beautiful flower motives

Purchased Item:

Jesus Revived, Hand-Painted Floral Wood Jesus Statuette from Guatemala

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Betsy

Verified Reviewer

12/01/2020

"Gift for my mom"

This arrived and I was so pleased with the nativity set. Each piece is painted so beautifully. Lots and lots of detail and super bright colors. Exactly what I was hoping for. Thank you. Can t wait to gift it to my mom!

Purchased Item:

Promise of Bethlehem, Eight Piece Pinewood Nativity Scene from Guatemala

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