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Flaviano Gonzales

"I was born in the Junin province of Peru on 22 December 1952. I come from a humble family that is rich in loving memories. I remember watching my grandparents and parents crafting spoons, toys and many other items that to me were the most beautiful things. While children my age were interested in toys, I was far more interested in the items they were making. I couldn't wait 'til I was old enough to start carving!

"My father is regarded as a pioneer carver, because at the time it wasn't an art that was done in the area where I grew up. Soon other people in the village began to follow his example and have become expert carvers.

"I learned from my father how to carve my own toys, and one of my fondest memories is the first piece I ever carved – a truck that took me three months to finish. It was my first achievement and my first passion, and even though I cut myself sometimes, I continued making what I considered my first works of arts. I have been surrounded by wood, splinters and sawdust ever since I carved that first piece. Life has given me the opportunity to transform a piece of wood into something beautiful.

"I have six siblings, two sisters and four brothers, all of whom have inherited my father's carving legacy.

"My father didn't earn a lot, but he made sure to send us to school so that we could have a profession and be men of good standing. I studied mechanical engineering, but I had a passion for carving running through my veins. One day, a friend came to visit me at the place where I worked as chief of personnel and he asked me what was I doing there, since I could create with my hands whatever my mind willed. At the time I had recently acquired some tools and a lathe, so his comment was what I needed to hear to push me into making the decision of leaving my steady job. I returned home to work on what I had repressed for so long, which is now my greatest source of pride.

"My designs are unique, there's something exceptional about them which I like and enjoy. I try to rescue traditional and ancestral elements as much as I can, because they are our cultural heritage.

"I would like to thank Novica and all who look at my work for giving me this wonderful opportunity to bring you my work. My pieces are made with all the love in my hands."