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Emilia Castillo

"I remember I've loved silverwork since I was eight years old. I grew up working with my father until I ventured out on my own, taking my love for silver with me.

"I was born March 19, 1958, the daughter of Antonio Castillo who founded 'Los Castillo' in 1936. I grew up amid artisans and tools in my father's workshop. The hammer was my first favorite toy; pliers, blowtorch, paintbrushes, metals and gemstones are my beloved companions. The artisans are my friends and teachers.

"I spent my childhood in Taxco on a ranch with a beautiful waterfall. I loved to play in the workshop creating moveable toys with metal. I am proud to have inherited my parents' craft. I admire both of them very much, my father for being a magnificent silversmith and my mother for being a great painter and sculptor.

"From primary school on, I learned to craft rings and bracelets for my friends. My first big job was a hammered pitcher with an iguana image.

"My materials are precious and semi-precious metals – silver, gold, brass, copper and iron. I use gemstones like malachite, turquoise and lapis lazuli. My designs are inspired by nature and by animals.

"I've shown my designs nationally and my workshop was chosen by the Church in Mexico when they commissioned a five-foot silver cross for the Vatican.

"It is so important to rescue the old techniques and train a new generation of artisans with heart. My designs are crafted with much love. Through them, I want to send this message – working with the hands and heart heals the mind and soul."