"This art attracts us to wood's flexibility as we transform discarded scraps into something beautiful and useful."
"We are Samantha Trujillo and Ronald Rivera from Lima. Samantha is the second of three children and studied computer technology. As a child, she liked helping her mother crochet and sewing sequins on clothes.
"Ronald is the third of five children. He took his first job at a bicycle workshop when he was 17. As a child, he liked to take his toys apart and put them back together using his grandfather's tools. He then studied technology, electronics, computer repair, music, cooking and also studied at a university, but didn't conclude his systems engineering major. Finally, he took up woodworking.
"We've both had difficult moments. When his parents separated, Ronald's family's finances took a downturn, which forced him to work. Samantha suffered an illness that helped her value life and health, which we need to do accomplish things. To overcome these obstacles, it's good to remember the fun things and go forward with more strength.
"Once our paths crossed, we've been working together ever since. Ronald designs furniture in a carpentry shop. Because of this, our designs have a similar touch. Everything started when we found some wood scraps and made a little box for my niece to keep her hair clips. We were surprised by the result. To improve on the finish, Ronald studied fine furniture techniques and I took courses on decorative painting. We both continue practicing and perfecting our work. Often, we craft some of our own tools.
"We use natural wood, MDF, acrylic paint and varnish. It takes time to select and process reclaimed wood. This art attracts us to wood's flexibility, as we transform discarded scraps into something beautiful and useful. It's challenging to create something so small that requires precision in every detail.
"At the moment, we work by ourselves and are consolidating our workshop, which we hope will grow so our creations can be seen around the world."
