Miguel Mejia "I had to go with my friend to meet the owner of the truck for which those parts were originally intended, and explain to him they were now part of a sculpture." "I'm Juan Miguel Mejía Caillahua, born June, 30, 1978 in Lima. I'm a self-taught and impassioned artist, satisfied with the wonderful artistry I carry in my hands. I was only a 13 year-old child when I began to make my own toys, especially gargoyles. I used to tear apart other toys and use their components to create my own versions. That's how I got into making sculptures, but this time recycling mechanical parts. At that time, I was also very much into music and played on my dad's guitar. I composed about 30 original tunes for my heavy metal band. "There's a very funny anecdote that I never tire of telling. It so happens that one day, when I was working on the sculpture of a medieval knight, I realized I was missing some pieces so I went to a friend's auto-shop. He said I could take anything I needed from a metal box he had lying around. I was so happy picking up all sorts of things! It was like an oasis in the middle of a desert, and without thinking twice I ended up taking all. Three days later my friend came by and asked about some pieces he needed, which he had left outside the box. Needless to say, I had taken them, but they were already welded into the sculpture. I had to go with my friend to meet the owner of the truck for which those parts were originally intended, and explain to him they were now part of a sculpture. Rather than getting angry he was fascinated and bought it! He christened the sculpture, 'The Son of the Mercedes,' because those parts were intended for a Mercedes Benz. "I enjoy listening to black metal music, which inspires me to create these original sculptures. My work shows my passion for all things metal, and I'm motivated by a desire to create a new generation of vanguard artistry with elements of realism. "I have exhibited my work in several places and it makes me very proud to be able to transform even the smallest trinket into a magnificent sculpture. "One of the greatest challenges I have faced was when I was 18 years old, studying the second semester in accounting. I wasn't able to prepare well for the finals because I was busy rehearsing, playing at concerts and leading a bohemian lifestyle with my band. I was close to failing so I had to work very hard and managed to save the course, which made me extremely happy. "I would like to send Andean greetings to Novica clients. I would like to thank you for your company and support when you visit this virtual gallery featuring my sculptures. The fact that you can see them from your home fills me with the desire and energy to continue creating more art works."

	Customer Reviews
		I just recently received "Medieval Knight" as a gift to give to my husband. The craftsmanship of this piece is absolutely brilliant! I did not expect it to be such a weighty sculpture, and the fact that old parts are used for these is ingenious! My compliments to Senor Mejia, and I look forward to seeing more of his wonderful work! - Donna Martin, Texas Greetings Juan Miguel, I bought my husband "Woodstock" for Christmas. It was a hit! He will take it to school and sit in on his desk to remind his students that he was once a "long haired Hippy". My husband teaches high school English. I probably could have made one myself with my son's 1974 MG parts laying around the garage - but it was much more fun to buy yours (grin). Your Woodstock has traveled from Lima, Peru to Lima, Ohio. This was the purchase that moved me up to Ambassador status (I needed something from the Andes). Hubby had great fun telling his students his wife was an "Ambassador". Judy - in Lima, Ohio - Judith Love, love love the Phoenix rising. It is now hung on my wall. Thanks for your wonderful work. - Jennifer Bought the Medieval Knight sculpture a while ago and it has become one of my favorites! He sits on my shelf, majestic yet whimsical. When visitors notice that he is made of machine parts, they grin and say "Wow!" - Lloyd I received "Painter at Work" yesterday. I really love the creativity and the personality that Miguel's art has -- I am not sure where I am going to display this piece of art, but probably somewhere where I will see it often. It's fabulous. Thanks, Miguel. - Debbie1024, Orange County, California