Tornillo wood and leather rocking chair, "Chavin Deities"

Moises Alvarez Santti was born in the region of Ayacucho, Peru, on July 18, 1958. When he turned 15 years old, he moved to Lima to study leather and woodcrafts under the guidance of his uncle.

"After six years' apprenticeship, I felt ready to start a workshop with my brother," Moises explains. "Sadly, my brother passed away in 1980. Meanwhile, I was left with the huge responsibility of carrying on with the day-to-day activities of running the workshop. I've managed to maintain our business through a lot of hard work. And in doing so, I proudly honor his memory.

"Now its my turn to train others in the family, mainly my nephews and other relatives. Some of my sisters work with me as well.

"One of my most important commissions was to craft the image of a leather animal for Peruvian television. That was in 1980. Once in a while, it still appears on the air today!

"To me, my art is the way through which I can express my country's culture, just like my ancestors did. I don't want to fail our predecessors. I want to preserve our history and our culture so it will survive the passing of time while transmitting the essence of Peru.

"What also motivates me is the love I have for my wife, who encourages me everyday, along with my desire to ensure a good future for my three daughters, who are my joy and strength.

"I would like to assure you that my products are a labor of love — intended for you as individuals. Each of my creations represents the combined efforts of our workshop, and our devoted team members who, in one way or another, each had something to do with it."