Edmundo Contreras "My art strives to be a testimony to history and tradition.... One of my proudest moments was receiving the Vizcardo & Guzmán Medal as a master artisan, awarded by the Peruvian Congress." Born in Apurimac in 1965, Edmundo Contreras Aquise works in the andahuaylino (Andahuaylas) style. He uses painted glass and crackled finishes in a technique that is both traditional and modern. His motifs range from the pre-Hispanic, colonial, and ethnic to the beauty and culture of the Andean world and its wildlife. "I inherited my interest in art from my mother, a weaver," he says. "As an adolescent, I enjoyed painting and liked to create cartoons as a form of social protest (when terrorists threatened our land). In this way I represented those difficult moments when students and country people faced danger from two fronts. "I learned a great deal from my companions in a craft workshop taught by Amilcar Andía, a gentleman from Andahuaylas. One of my friends was Juan Quintín, a painter, and another was Reinaldo Rivera, who had graduated from the School of Fine Arts. From them I learned a great deal, and through practice, I discovered more techniques. "My art strives to be a testimony to history and tradition. With the danger of extinction of certain art forms, I represent them in hand-painted wood, glass and ceramic. These take the form of objects that are utilitarian and decorative, such as home furnishings, mirrors, vases and more. "I've exhibited my work at arts and crafts fairs, and in 1995 took first place in the Concurso Internacional para América Latina y el Caribe, winning the UNESCO Prize. One of my proudest moments was receiving the Vizcardo & Guzmán Medal as a master artisan, awarded by the Peruvian Congress in 2002. "My dream is for my art to be known and appreciated outside my country."

	Customer Reviews
		your work is splendid and,I will cherish the box for many years to come.Keep up delighting a customer who also happens to love sea turtles.Thanks! - Maria Leonor T, Brussels/Belgium We received our beautiful "Dawn Gardens" mirror in pristine shape. It is simply lovely. We were thrilled with the craftsmanship and quality. Heartfelt thanks! SDT - S D T The New Love Jewelry Box was a gift for a special 18th birthday of my niece and it became her very special jewelry box. It is beautiful. Thank you. - K J, New Jersey Beautiful little box :0) I loved the wrapping. Great care was taken to make sure it arrived in perfect condition :0) - Dawn P, U.S.A. The blue glass box is absolutely fabulous and is even more than beautiful than I expected. I am so impressed with your talent. - Charlene S The mirrors I ordered are so beautiful. The craftmanship is excellent, and the mirrors are the focal point of my remodeled bathroom. - Suzan A I ordered a painted panda jewerly box-very nice-I intend to give it for a Christmas present. - Jeanette P, cols,oh I received my In Your Warm Heart painted glass box today. I love it!! It is absolutely beautifully made. The painting on the box is exquisite and the box is very sturdy. When the package arrived I felt like I was unwrapping a present. Thanks to Novica Andes and Edmundo! - Suji Fu, FL, USA I have just received my Contreras mirror, Colonial Medallions. Opening the package I was very anxious as I have never ordered from the Andes and am a new customer of Novica. I was totally taken aback by the beauty and artistic craftsmenship of the mirror. It exceeded expectations and now hangs proudly in my bathroom. The search for the just the right mirror was intensive as I am a professional artist also. Soooo, Thanks again Mr. Contreras for contributing to the happiness of another artist. Joan Gessner - Joan Gessner, Amesbury, MA. USA I recently received my much awaited "Wildflowers" mirror by artist Edmundo Contreras. I could not be more pleased! The artistry and craftsmanship exeeded my expectations. I will treasure this piece forever. Thank you NOVICA for introducing me to a whole new world of regional art and artists. - T Beaumont, Yardley, PA USA I ordered a painted glass mirror by Edmundo Contreras and was very pleased with the quality of his work. The mirror was packaged very well for it's long trip to VA and arrived undamaged. It looks great in my Spa room and is a great addition to my home! I will be looking for many more products from this artist and the website of NOVICA. I am very pleased! - Paige McGhee, Stanardsville, VA USA I recently purchased a Russet Light Mirror from Edmundo Contreras. Since the first time I saw the mirror I knew I had to buy it. I have been searching for a special mirror to complete my living room decor. I highly recommend this elegant mirror and thank Mr. Contreras for his talent. - Lissette Saballos, Miami, Florida, USA I just received my mirror yesterday and it is all that I could have asked for! Just as it was pictured, which is a welcome change from a lot of the disasters I have received from online shopping. I just bought my first home and I love that I will have a unique, beautiful piece of art that will be noticed for years to come. My only compliant was that despite amazing packaging, there was a little bit of chipping to one edge of the frame, but not enough to warrant a return. I definitely recommend this artist to anyone who is considering a purchase for their home. The details are breathtaking and I am very, very happy with the craftsmanship. - Erin Budd, Rochester, NY Thank you Edmundo for creating such a beautiful piece for my family & friends to enjoy for a lifetime! Your work is simply lovely! Warm regards, Sheri - Sheri S., IL/USA Purchased your glass tray, 'Company of Birds', as a gift for my significant other to mark a special Birthday. It is delightful - beautifully painted in lovely colours. Thank you for your talent in making such a wonderful piece to treasure forever. - Veronica C