Cesar Gonzales

Cesar Gonzales gemstone sculptures

Update (June, 2019)

"I was born in a small district called Pacapausa, which is located in the department of Ayacucho. I consider myself a very responsible man, generous and persevering. I believe that, in spite of all the difficulties, you can get ahead and overcome tough times.

"Without a doubt one of the darkest moments of my life was growing up without my father, since he died when I was only two years old. It was my mother who did the work of both father and mother at the same time. With her strength, she taught me the true value of a life that is a labor of love. She made me a good man and gave everything for me, and I could never thank her enough.

"I learned to carve stone from a friend. In turn, I taught my son and many of my assistants the art of stone carving. When one of my artisans leaves to start his or her own workshop, I feel very proud. It means that the stone art of Peru will live on.

The stone carvings record the history of Peru and the Andes. Although we now use machinery to give life to our drawings, the stories that the stones tell and the reasons we incorporate those stories have been with us since pre-Inca times.

I've been carving semi-precious stones since the late 1980s. Originally I would travel to the mines, but then I began to carve some leftover pieces. It was thanks to a dear friend who taught me, and I think I will never stop practicing. To be curious, to explore forms and designs, awoke in me the artist's soul.

"It was not an easy task as high precision work requires a lot of effort every day. The years have given me great experience and have taught me that only with firm steps and perseverance are our objectives achieved. My inspiration comes from what I love in nature — animals, and the beautiful landscapes of the Andes. All these sources of energy are what I capture in my art.

"One of my dreams is to be able to continue growing next to my family. I pray that God gives me a lot of strength to continue working and carving the beautiful natural stones, which have been used since the time of our ancestors. Thanks to you, I've managed to raise my family and provide full-time work for other artisans so they can also help their families."

Original Artisan Story

Born in 1962, Cesar Gonzales has worked as a stone carver since 1988. Before that his job was in residential construction, building and finishing houses. But after learning the technique of stone sculpture in the workshop of a friend, he found he preferred it. The following year he became independent and began to create his own images.

A married man, Gonzales has a son and three daughters. The oldest girl shows the most interest in her father's art and even assists him.

He works with serpentine, rose manganese, calcite, celestite, red jasper, mottramite, chrysocolla, rhodochrosite and quartz. He travels to mines in the central sierra to acquire minerals and materials of all kinds. "I work in stone because of the beautiful things that can be made with each kind," he says. "I like stone's naturalness and purity of color."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Lima, Peru

Update (June, 2019)

"I was born in a small district called Pacapausa, which is located in the department of Ayacucho. I consider myself a very responsible man, generous and persevering. I believe that, in spite of all the difficulties, you can get ahead and overcome tough times.

"Without a doubt one of the darkest moments of my life was growing up without my father, since he died when I was only two years old. It was my mother who did the work of both father and mother at the same time. With her strength, she taught me the true value of a life that is a labor of love. She made me a good man and gave everything for me, and I could never thank her enough.

"I learned to carve stone from a friend. In turn, I taught my son and many of my assistants the art of stone carving. When one of my artisans leaves to start his or her own workshop, I feel very proud. It means that the stone art of Peru will live on.

The stone carvings record the history of Peru and the Andes. Although we now use machinery to give life to our drawings, the stories that the stones tell and the reasons we incorporate those stories have been with us since pre-Inca times.

I've been carving semi-precious stones since the late 1980s. Originally I would travel to the mines, but then I began to carve some leftover pieces. It was thanks to a dear friend who taught me, and I think I will never stop practicing. To be curious, to explore forms and designs, awoke in me the artist's soul.

"It was not an easy task as high precision work requires a lot of effort every day. The years have given me great experience and have taught me that only with firm steps and perseverance are our objectives achieved. My inspiration comes from what I love in nature — animals, and the beautiful landscapes of the Andes. All these sources of energy are what I capture in my art.

"One of my dreams is to be able to continue growing next to my family. I pray that God gives me a lot of strength to continue working and carving the beautiful natural stones, which have been used since the time of our ancestors. Thanks to you, I've managed to raise my family and provide full-time work for other artisans so they can also help their families."

Original Artisan Story

Born in 1962, Cesar Gonzales has worked as a stone carver since 1988. Before that his job was in residential construction, building and finishing houses. But after learning the technique of stone sculpture in the workshop of a friend, he found he preferred it. The following year he became independent and began to create his own images.

A married man, Gonzales has a son and three daughters. The oldest girl shows the most interest in her father's art and even assists him.

He works with serpentine, rose manganese, calcite, celestite, red jasper, mottramite, chrysocolla, rhodochrosite and quartz. He travels to mines in the central sierra to acquire minerals and materials of all kinds. "I work in stone because of the beautiful things that can be made with each kind," he says. "I like stone's naturalness and purity of color."

Andes Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore the Andes region, once home to the Inca, Wari, Chavin and other ancient empires. Today, the influences of these ancient civilizations can be found in the artistic handicraft traditions that artisans use to create the vast array of jewelry, home furnishings, pottery, textiles, paintings and folk art that preserve the diverse, complex heritage of this colorful Latin land.

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Maker BadgeJob Creator

Cesar is constantly teaching and employing younger workers who are eager to learn from a master craftsman. Today he gives work to people who are the sole support of their families.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

"I learned to carve stone from a friend. In turn, I have taught my son and many of my workers the art of stone carving. When one of my artisans leaves to start a workshop of their own, I feel great pride. It means that the stone art of Peru will live on. Stone carving records the history of Peru and the Andes. Even though we now use machinery to bring our hand drawings to life... the stories the stones tell and the motifs we incorporate have been with us since pre-Inca times."

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Novica sales account for most of Cesar's income. It enables him to provide for his family, educate his children, take care of his health and provide full-time employment for other artisans. He is very grateful that his workshop has grown with Novica and for the security it has brought to his life.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Cesar's workshop is well-respected in his community. He is able to give full-time employment to his workers. He credits the steady income and recognition that Novica sales give him with the stability and determination that enable him to continue to grow his workshop.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Cesar Gonzales has received 5 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $500 and the most recent for $2050. Proceeds were used to buy stones and other raw materials he needs to increase production.

Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities

This artist is working with some sort of disability ranging from mental or physical and includes conditions such as being handicapped physically, or perhaps having a condition such as autism. This is also awarded to artists that employ other artists with disabilities.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

Behind every piece is a story in motion Cesar Gonzales hasn't shared a video yet. Follow to be there when they do.

7 Badges for Cesar Gonzales

Maker BadgeJob Creator

Cesar is constantly teaching and employing younger workers who are eager to learn from a master craftsman. Today he gives work to people who are the sole support of their families.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Maker BadgeWorking with Disabilities

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

This artist striving to supporting their own or their family's basic needs and improve their livelihood.

378 Reviews for

Cesar Gonzales

December 18, 2023

S Serena

Mr Gonzales does beautiful work!

Cesar Gonzales

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Cesar Gonzales

Cesar Gonzales

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