Hand-Tooled Bird-Themed Leather Decorative Box from Peru, "Colonial Reality"

"I'm Alex Jesus Espinoza. I was born in Lima. I consider myself to be a perseverant man, responsible and solidary, and also a funny man, I try to find a smile in every one of life's moments.

"For me, family is extremely important and having grown up in a beautify family like mine fills my heart with happiness and inspires me every day. One of the most difficult moments of my life was when my aunt Ana left us. I lived with her for many years and shared my happiest moments with her, as a child and as a teen. I admire her strength and the happiness with which she faced every obstacle. I'll never forget her messages and lessons. She taught me to fight for my dreams and for my family, and to never forget God. If I should fall, I must always get up again. And she taught me to never forget my dreams and not stop fighting until I achieve them.

"Thanks to my aunt and family for that great drive and their constant support, I dared take the chance and follow my dreams. I promised myself I'd work hard to achieve them. From a young age, I took any job I could find in the capital.

"However, I was always attracted by carpentry, the way wood can be shaped and carved into lovely and refined shapes. With such a passion for something, nothing can stop you! While working to support my family, I looked for carpentry shops where I could learn. An artisan of the time crafted furniture in wood and finely tooled leather. Watching him work, I learned to use the machines, to cut the wood and to carve it. I applied myself to learning and saw the care that this art requires.

"From then on, my creativity took flight. I was amazed to see everything all I could create and immediately began to make my own designs with the materials I had. It was complicated because I didn't have many resources. But with God's help, I always able to get enough work to support my family and, at the same time, to grow as an artisan and follow my passion. I worked hard and practiced at every opportunity. I began following art trends and interior design magazines to create original and beautiful pieces.

"I feel proud of the designs I can bring to life. My family and my culture inspire me. There is so much to discover and explore in the art of our ancestors.

"One of my dreams is to be able to share my art with more people, to reach across borders all around the globe. It is more than beautiful objects. My work is filled with dedication, love and effort, manifested in every detail."