Hand-Painted Wood Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener from Costa Rica 'I Need a Hug' Item ID: 2671771508

"I'm Jessica Brenes, born in 1978, in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. I've been a passionate artist and artisan for over 20 years. My upbringing in a rural community surrounded by nature and animals influenced my love for creativity. My parents were also nature enthusiasts, and they nurtured my artistic inclinations.

"My journey as an artist began early in life. I spent countless hours coloring, drawing, and crafting with various materials. Art classes in school were a source of joy, and I enjoyed inspiring others to explore their creative side. My diverse interests in reading, drawing, painting, gardening, decorating, and crafting eventually led me to become skilled in working with natural elements, especially wood.

"My career as an artist started while working as a preschool teacher. I adorned my classroom with my art, which caught the attention of my colleagues. I began creating murals and decorative signs for them. After years in education, I decided to turn my passion for art into a full-fledged business.

"In December 2019, I made the leap from teaching to focusing entirely on my art. I planned to use my severance pay to establish a home workshop with the necessary tools and materials. However, just three months after leaving my teaching job, the pandemic struck, forcing me to reconsider my plans. During the pandemic, I took advantage of the downtime to acquire new skills and craft different products to promote my business. I even utilized reclaimed wood from the beach to create unique pieces that reflected Costa Rican culture and nature.

"My art is centered around sustainability and environmental friendliness. I work with sustainable wood sourced from planted trees and reclaimed wood collected from the beach, contributing to environmental preservation.

"My dream is to own an art and decoration store and a larger workshop where I can employ like-minded individuals who share my passion for art. I aim to continue crafting unique pieces that inspire creativity and help people decorate their spaces uniquely.

"I'm an artist who has dedicated her life to creating unique and sustainable art pieces. My love for nature and animals serves as a constant source of inspiration. I hope to inspire others through my creations. When you purchase one of my artworks, you're not just buying a beautiful piece; you're acquiring a part of my essence, time, and love for what I do."