living room sculpture

"I pay tribute to love, the love of a couple, love for the family, children, friends. Love toward the world in which we live, so that it is better and better. A world filled with peace and hope – all this is reflected in my work through a simple heart. If you look closely, you'll see that they are two halves. Wedding rings form the heads of two people who hold hands," says Peruvian artisan Marco Floríndez. He sculpts this evocative piece of red steel.

Lithe graceful dancers perform the Marinera dance in this vivid sculpture by John Barrow. "It's part of my 'Folklore' series inspired by this beautiful country and its regional traditions," says Barrow with admiration. Originating from northern Peru, the Marinera recreates the sea of emotions surrounding flirtation, attraction and falling in love. It can be danced individually or in couples, and performers hold handkerchiefs in sign of peace. Barrow works with hand-carved segments of cedar, mahogany and ishpingo woods, which he dyes with natural pigments.

Seen in the light of the full moon, this vigilant owl guards the mysteries of the Andean night. It is depicted in luminous white onyx, delicately carved to portray the owl's stately elegance. Designed by Peruvian gem artist César González, the owl features a sodalite beak and wide glass eyes.

"I made this sculpture as a tribute to life," confides John Barrow. "The different colors represent the joy of life, of feeling, and of having hope for the future. Its optimism is contagious." Barrow crafts the sculpture with hand-carved segments of cedar, mahogany and ishpingo woods. He stains the woods with colorful natural dyes.

Speckled jade becomes a sleek obelisk of magnificent elegance. Cesar Gonzáles selects a stone believed to attract wealth and prosperity. Its gentle green coloration is showcased through careful polishing.

After Christ's death on the cross, the image itself came to be venerated as one of the most important Christian symbols. Alejandro Chávez shows an empty cross, graced with a portrait of Jesus. Ladders reach to beams where ofrendas (offerings) have been placed. Figures in traditional Andean dress kneel below the cross, their eyes lifted in devout prayer. Known as a retablo, this traditional diorama is housed in a colorful chest crafted of wood and painted. Chávez carefully models each figure from ceramic plaster and paints them by hand; the retablo receives an antique finish.