Mauricio Morales

Mauricio Morales handcrafted ceramic bird sculptures

Latest Update

“I joined Novica in 2017. Thanks to Novica my income has improved, and I have been able to pay for my children's school. Before, it was very difficult for me to keep up with the payment of the basic services of the house and the payment of debts that I had to incur to keep my family afloat. But with the help of Novica, everything at home has improved.

“This year in the celebration of Artisan's Day, Novica Central America awarded me for growth in sales. I had a 110% growth from 2020 to 2021. And apart from this recognition, I have received very good comments and congratulations from other fellow artisans. I am very happy because God has rewarded me with such a beautiful talent and because my products are sold, and customers like them. Novica makes up a great work team and without the support of each one of them, we would not be able to fulfill ourselves as artisans. “

Original Artist Story

His name is Mauricio Morales. He was born in the beautiful city of Antigua, Guatemala. From the time he was a child, he suffered life's adversities. His mother abandoned the boy, leaving him with his grandmother.

"She was like my guardian angel," the artisan says. "She took care of me from the first moment I was with her. She wrapped me in her arms. Thanks to her, each day filled me with fortitude. No matter how tough things were, she always knew the right words to say."

His grandmother was young Mauricio's source of inspiration. He admired her hardworking and perseverant lifestyle. She taught him many skills, from carpentry to cooking. They lived in a humble little house that she built with great effort. Today, this is Mauricio's home.

In school, he divided his time between work and study, and this was when he began to work with a well-known ceramic artisan in the city. As time went by, Mauricio gained experience.

In the ceramic workshop, he met his wife and their love began to blossom when they were both quite young. "Meeting Mauricio is the best that has happened in my life. I had always lived well. My parents gave me whatever I wanted. It's been a blessing to know someone who could teach me to appreciate the good things in life. My husband is a loving father who gives his all for his children. He is demanding but a fighter and tenacious. Thanks to him, I learned to do many things I didn't know how to do," she says.

"I know I can be very demanding with my children sometimes," the artisan says. "But I want them to know the real meaning of life, that life is made up of moments. That we must struggle to achieve our dreams. That we shouldn't expect things to come to us. I feel so very fortunate to have the family that God has given me. They are my strength," Mauricio says, with tears in his eyes.

Little by little, he has perfected his work, which has been recognized in many parts of the world. His realistic ceramic bird sculptures form a part of many collections.

Mauricio's greatest dream is that his children learn this art. He wants to be able to give them a college education. Above all, he wants them to become good people."

Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guatemala City, Guatemala

Latest Update

“I joined Novica in 2017. Thanks to Novica my income has improved, and I have been able to pay for my children's school. Before, it was very difficult for me to keep up with the payment of the basic services of the house and the payment of debts that I had to incur to keep my family afloat. But with the help of Novica, everything at home has improved.

“This year in the celebration of Artisan's Day, Novica Central America awarded me for growth in sales. I had a 110% growth from 2020 to 2021. And apart from this recognition, I have received very good comments and congratulations from other fellow artisans. I am very happy because God has rewarded me with such a beautiful talent and because my products are sold, and customers like them. Novica makes up a great work team and without the support of each one of them, we would not be able to fulfill ourselves as artisans. “

Original Artist Story

His name is Mauricio Morales. He was born in the beautiful city of Antigua, Guatemala. From the time he was a child, he suffered life's adversities. His mother abandoned the boy, leaving him with his grandmother.

"She was like my guardian angel," the artisan says. "She took care of me from the first moment I was with her. She wrapped me in her arms. Thanks to her, each day filled me with fortitude. No matter how tough things were, she always knew the right words to say."

His grandmother was young Mauricio's source of inspiration. He admired her hardworking and perseverant lifestyle. She taught him many skills, from carpentry to cooking. They lived in a humble little house that she built with great effort. Today, this is Mauricio's home.

In school, he divided his time between work and study, and this was when he began to work with a well-known ceramic artisan in the city. As time went by, Mauricio gained experience.

In the ceramic workshop, he met his wife and their love began to blossom when they were both quite young. "Meeting Mauricio is the best that has happened in my life. I had always lived well. My parents gave me whatever I wanted. It's been a blessing to know someone who could teach me to appreciate the good things in life. My husband is a loving father who gives his all for his children. He is demanding but a fighter and tenacious. Thanks to him, I learned to do many things I didn't know how to do," she says.

"I know I can be very demanding with my children sometimes," the artisan says. "But I want them to know the real meaning of life, that life is made up of moments. That we must struggle to achieve our dreams. That we shouldn't expect things to come to us. I feel so very fortunate to have the family that God has given me. They are my strength," Mauricio says, with tears in his eyes.

Little by little, he has perfected his work, which has been recognized in many parts of the world. His realistic ceramic bird sculptures form a part of many collections.

Mauricio's greatest dream is that his children learn this art. He wants to be able to give them a college education. Above all, he wants them to become good people."

Central America Artisan Empowerment Hub

Explore Central America. Rich rainforests and active volcanoes shelter the vestiges of the Mayan civilization that lives on in the languages and the arts of Central America. You'll discover the weaving traditions recorded on the backstrap looms, the glyphs and geometry that define the jewelry and pottery, and the vibrantly-painted folk art statues and masks among all the unique, handcrafted artisan treasures in our Central America Collection.

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Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Mauricio Morales has received a $250 microcredit loan with 0% interest.

Maker BadgeCaring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker BadgeEnabling Education

This artist is currently supporting and providing for the education of their children, grandchildren, or children in their community, whether it be at the primary, secondary, or university level.

Maker BadgeConfronting Adversity

This artist is currently confronting a major life challenge.

Maker BadgeCovering Basic Needs

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

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Alternate image for Guatemalan Handmade Jacobin Hummingbird Clay Bird Figurine Jacobin Hummingbird

$29.99

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Guatemalan Handmade Jacobin Hummingbird Clay Bird Figurine 'Jacobin Hummingbird'

$29.99

Alternate image for Hand Painted Ceramic Motmot Sculpture Turquoise-Browed Motmot

$119.99

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Hand Painted Ceramic Motmot Sculpture 'Turquoise-Browed Motmot'

$119.99

(2)

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Jeanne Nicely made. He watches from the top of our tall clock.

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Alternate image for Artisan Crafted Elf Owl Ceramic Bird Figurine from Guatemala Elf Owl

$49.99

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Artisan Crafted Elf Owl Ceramic Bird Figurine from Guatemala 'Elf Owl'

$49.99

(4)

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Marnie I have purchased three lovely birds from Mr. Morales, and I love them all. They are very carefully painted and look so real the wire legs and feet look real too. You can tell he really likes birds by the way he paints them. I have them all around my apartment, like they are peaking around corners or keeping an eye on the other birds. So cute! I plan to buy more in time. Thanks Mr. Morales.

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Alternate image for Guatemala Handcrafted Ceramic Atlantic Puffin Figurine Atlantic Puffin

$67.99

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Guatemala Handcrafted Ceramic Atlantic Puffin Figurine 'Atlantic Puffin'

$67.99

(2)

Comments

Karen I fell in love with Puffins when we saw them off the Maine coast. They are just like Mauricio depicted, colorful and playful. It is a great addition to our Maine room decor. Perfect.

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58 Reviews for

August 28, 2023

J Judith

Thank your Mauricio! Your work never ceases to amaze me. I don't think I will ever truly have enough of your birds. This little robin "flew" all the way from Australia via your hands in Guatemala. I love learning all about new-to-me-creatures in the world, so I read all about my new little beauty.

Mauricio Morales

Mauricio Morales

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