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Roxana Alas
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"My name is Roxana Alas and my childhood was filled with happiness, growing up alongside my parents and two siblings. My mother was a skilled seamstress, and my father worked at a city hotel. In 2001, a dear artisan friend noticed my passion for learning and my determination to succeed. She inspired me to enter the world of artistry.
"I honed my craft through training, specializing in artisanal design and merchandising. My artistic journey began with a request from a…
Roxana Alas
"My name is Roxana Alas and my childhood was filled with happiness, growing up alongside my parents and two siblings. My mother was a skilled seamstress, and my father worked at a city hotel. In 2001, a dear artisan friend noticed my passion for learning and my determination to succeed. She inspired me to enter the world of artistry.
"I honed my craft through training, specializing in artisanal design and merchandising. My artistic journey began with a request from a friend: a vibrant painting of a beautiful garden with a colorful cart filled with flowers. It still adorns his living room wall.
"For the past 22 years, my art has thrived. I chose to leave my career as a broadcaster to dedicate myself fully to crafting. Since then, I've been a one-woman show, handling the design, creation, and marketing of my beautiful products.
"People often describe me as creative, responsible, and punctual. Like many, I've faced challenges along the way, particularly in the early days when financial constraints sometimes hindered my creative endeavors. Finding suitable venues to showcase and sell my work has also been a struggle. Looking back, I chuckle at some of these challenges. Recently, I was invited for a TV interview, and right before filming, both my shoe straps snapped. It made me nervous, but I was graciously offered another pair of shoes, and the interviewer even said, "You know what, keep them." It's a memory that brings a smile to my face.
"I learned the art from my friend, who used to create spectacular paintings. Watching her work was my education. What keeps me going is the joy of seeing my finished products and witnessing the amazement on my customers' faces. That "Wow! It's beautiful!" expression is what fuels my passion for art.
"My dreams for the future include growing my workshop, establishing a small craft store in a strategic location, and traveling to showcase my art and culture in other countries. I once taught many women, men, and children, but now I focus solely on producing identity and decorative crafts.
"Wood is the foundation of my crafts, sourced from La Palma in Chalatenango. I also use sheet metal from Mexico and paints from local stores. In some techniques, I utilize clay roof tiles, paraffin, and glycerin, as requested by customers.
"The most gratifying part of my work is the painting process. Combined with the gleam of the sheet metal, it adds a touch of brilliance that enhances every piece. One of my greatest challenges is crafting large-sized paintings, but the final result is always impressive.
"I employ various tools, including metal stencils, foam sheets, scissors, and occasionally inkless pens, wooden sticks, and glass fragments. The process begins with sketching the pattern, transferring it to the sheet metal using a fine-tipped pen or metal stencil, and then meticulously outlining each line. Finally, I apply paint, carefully blending colors to achieve perfect combinations. Whenever possible, I incorporate recyclable materials into my crafts.
"My goal is for people to bring a piece of El Salvador's vibrant culture into their homes, especially if it serves a practical purpose.
"I'm enthusiastic about visiting towns to explore more identity themes, purchase crafts, savor local cuisine, and enjoy tourism in general. My achievements include participation certificates from various training programs. One of the most memorable experiences was participating in an international fair here in El Salvador, where I met people and discovered products from other countries.
"I guarantee you're receiving a high-quality, beautiful piece that you'll proudly showcase among your friends. I'm incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity to share my products, as they are crafted with love and care."
