Peruvian Reverse-Painted Glass Mirror, "Birdsong in Red and Ivory"

"I was born in 1960 in the Cajul district of the Oyón province, and I've loved to paint ever since childhood. I started pursuing it in my teenage years, and I was even winning awards. I studied design and painting to a professional level at an art institute in my village, and a year later I moved to Lima when the opportunity arose to work at an arts and crafts workshop. They specialized in wood and painted glass.

"I also worked at a car repair workshop to save money and be able to forge ahead into the future.

"By 1983 I was able to start a small handicrafts workshop where I worked on orders placed by other people or businesses, all the while yearning to work on my own designs. The pieces that I began to craft on my own made their way to exhibitions and won competitions organized by Peru's Industrial and Tourism Ministry.

"Parallel to my professional growth, my personal life was also growing. I married Nilda, from Ayacucho, and we have three children, Omar, Flor and Rosa.

"I love the work that I do, so I look after every detail. My inspiration comes from Peru's original cultures.

"I am grateful to God for giving me the gift of art. With my hands I am able to create artful pieces that the community likes and uses. I capture the essence of our culture, I am part of it, and I make sure it doesn't get lost in the passing of time."