Hand Carved Wood Bird Mobile 'Feathered Friends' Item ID: 2677068295

"I'm Maria Guillermina Rivera Fernandez. I was born in Costa Rica in 1957. I had eight brothers and sisters, and our grandparents raised us, so we didn't have a lot when I was a child. A neighbor worked in arts and crafts and I learned many techniques from her. She instilled in me that spirit of creating and designing different things, and she inspired me to learn new things every day to help my family get ahead.

"On the farm where we lived, I loved watching the many different bird species and I decided to draw them, then carve the images from wood and paint them. We had different kinds of trees so I could choose the best woods for my projects. I started looking for dedicated and committed teachers and I learned from them.

"This was in 2018. As part of our training, we were encouraged to create a small business project with an identity. That's where I had my idea to create my little birds and start marketing them. Since then, I've spent my time carving my designs in wood and I work in my home. My first design was a desk accessory that consisted of a wooden base and a hand-carved bird whose main function is to organize paper clips. It was a request from one of my teachers, and he bought it from me.

"I use wood from my farm, and paints. For my creations, I always find inspiration in our birds and their beautiful songs, especially the yiguirro or clay-colored thrush, the national bird of Costa Rica.

"My family works with me. My husband and I select the tree for the wood, we cut it and take it to dry, and I cut and carve the pieces. My daughter and my husband sand them, and thus we divide each process to work as a team. I have also shared my knowledge with others.

"What I like the most is the finishing and giving the appearance to each of my pieces. The most challenging part is carving the little birds to give them shape.

"The most difficult moment in my life was when I was young and my romantic partner subjected me domestic violence. Thanks to courses I took, I had the strength to get out of the circle of violence and was able to say 'never again.' I never give up in the face of adversity. I am a humble and honest person who looks after the needs of others.

"It hasn't been easy to establish myself as an artisan, and I've stumbled many times there along the way. You have to believe in yourself and have confidence. With the help of God, I know I can improve and move toward a better future. My designs are of good quality, because every day I strive to improve them. I'm grateful to show then internationally."