"With my work I hope to contribute to others' knowledge of my country, and for that I feel honored."

"Like the majority of those who work with wood, our education was based in practice and experience. In my case, I've been working with wood for more than 25 years, although I've only been working in this specific area for 12 years. My goal is to produce practical elements for the home that are not only useful, but also serve to embellish the surroundings. I use smooth and natural colors to project a feeling of tranquility and peace.

"Before elaborating a work, I make a feasible design and then proceed to shape the wood in accordance with the size I need. After I have cut all the pieces, I begin to put it together, using a press and synthetic glue. Later, I sand it to smooth out uneven areas before applying putty to the rough spots and sanding by hand. Then, using a brush I bathe the piece in white latex paint mixed with glue, so that the paint can crack, making it ready for the decoration. This is realized with fine, steady brushes before the work is lacquered to provide adequate brilliance.

"I've participated in many specialized fairs at the national level, as well as in the Museum of the Nation, where they awarded me an honorable mention. I like that people outside of the country value our art in its various manifestations. With my work I hope to contribute to others' knowledge of my country, and for that I feel honored."

Hernan Rivas was born in 1963.