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"I work in wood. Like many people who work in this craft, I had a difficult childhood that helped me... read more
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Victor Hugo Lopez hand-carved wooden tableware
"I work in wood. Like many people who work in this craft, I had a difficult childhood that helped me become a man who strives to get ahead. I'm a hard worker, and I've worked on my own since the early 1970s.
"My parents weren't artisans but, as a child, I did see a lot of people who were and I was fascinated by how much shoppers liked handcrafted wood art. I decided to learn, and the first thing I crafted was fruit carved from wood, which I eventually sold.
"My family and friends consider me a creative person, responsible and innovative. I dream of being able to make my workshop grow and being able to sell my handcrafted designs all over the world.
"I'm a simple man, good-humored, and I enjoy talking with people about what I do. I like to explain the mechanics of my work, and also to create new things. This is not only to sell — creating entertains me and I get excited with each new project. I love beginning something new. Developing a new design is like planning for the birth of a baby. I draw, cut the wood, carve it, sand it, take it apart and start from zero until I have a finished piece that makes me happy.
"At one time, I had a workshop with 40 carpenters working with me. But, as time passed, we had some bad seasons and a lot of competition. My work declined little by little.
"I was one of the first artisans to craft fruit in the area and I had a lot of apprentices, many of whom have become quite successful at this. Today, I am teaching my nephew and my brother-in-law to work with wood, paints and varnishes that can be easily obtained. We like to play with colors and discover our own combinations. Afterward, we sand the pieces and give them a lovely finish with varnish, as it is the perfection of the finishes that inspire me most.
"At first, it was difficult, especially building a base of clients. But with hard work and effort, I've been able to continue working with this art form. I'm in charge of designing, crafting and sales, and everyone in my workshop has his own responsibilities so that our designs are of good quality.
"We don't use complicated or modern tools, just a lathe, a band saw, a drill and a polisher. I enjoy showing the variety of fruit we have here, and its colors.
"Right after the terrible earthquake of 1976, there was just no money in Guatemala and I had to go to Honduras to sell my designs. Thank God, we were able to keep the workshop and get through those tough times.
"Apart from my work, I like going to church, and I enjoy reading about carpentry and decoration. In this way, I've been able to make my creations different and everyone seems to like them.
"Once, my work was selected for a catalog of Guatemalan handicrafts. I felt very proud because being selected for an international catalog is a reason to celebrate.
"I really enjoy my work and, over the years, it has let me take my designs far beyond the borders of Guatemala. I am so proud of the resources we have here.
"I'm grateful to you for the opportunity to have a window to the world through the web page. I'm also grateful to everyone who makes your homes a cultural showcase for artisans like me, who live and dream of our work."
"My parents weren't artisans but, as a child, I did see a lot of people who were and I was fascinated by how much shoppers liked handcrafted wood art. I decided to learn, and the first thing I crafted was fruit carved from wood, which I eventually sold.
"My family and friends consider me a creative person, responsible and innovative. I dream of being able to make my workshop grow and being able to sell my handcrafted designs all over the world.
"I'm a simple man, good-humored, and I enjoy talking with people about what I do. I like to explain the mechanics of my work, and also to create new things. This is not only to sell — creating entertains me and I get excited with each new project. I love beginning something new. Developing a new design is like planning for the birth of a baby. I draw, cut the wood, carve it, sand it, take it apart and start from zero until I have a finished piece that makes me happy.
"At one time, I had a workshop with 40 carpenters working with me. But, as time passed, we had some bad seasons and a lot of competition. My work declined little by little.
"I was one of the first artisans to craft fruit in the area and I had a lot of apprentices, many of whom have become quite successful at this. Today, I am teaching my nephew and my brother-in-law to work with wood, paints and varnishes that can be easily obtained. We like to play with colors and discover our own combinations. Afterward, we sand the pieces and give them a lovely finish with varnish, as it is the perfection of the finishes that inspire me most.
"At first, it was difficult, especially building a base of clients. But with hard work and effort, I've been able to continue working with this art form. I'm in charge of designing, crafting and sales, and everyone in my workshop has his own responsibilities so that our designs are of good quality.
"We don't use complicated or modern tools, just a lathe, a band saw, a drill and a polisher. I enjoy showing the variety of fruit we have here, and its colors.
"Right after the terrible earthquake of 1976, there was just no money in Guatemala and I had to go to Honduras to sell my designs. Thank God, we were able to keep the workshop and get through those tough times.
"Apart from my work, I like going to church, and I enjoy reading about carpentry and decoration. In this way, I've been able to make my creations different and everyone seems to like them.
"Once, my work was selected for a catalog of Guatemalan handicrafts. I felt very proud because being selected for an international catalog is a reason to celebrate.
"I really enjoy my work and, over the years, it has let me take my designs far beyond the borders of Guatemala. I am so proud of the resources we have here.
"I'm grateful to you for the opportunity to have a window to the world through the web page. I'm also grateful to everyone who makes your homes a cultural showcase for artisans like me, who live and dream of our work."
Handmade: A Global Artisan Marketplace Guatemala City, Guatemala
"I work in wood. Like many people who work in this craft, I had a difficult childhood that helped me become a man who strives to get ahead. I'm a hard worker, and I've worked on my own since the early 1970s.
"My parents weren't artisans but, as a child, I did see a lot of people who were and I was fascinated by how much shoppers liked handcrafted wood art. I decided to learn, and the first thing I crafted was fruit carved from wood, which I eventually sold.
"My family and friends consider me a creative person, responsible and innovative. I dream of being able to make my workshop grow and being able to sell my handcrafted designs all over the world.
"I'm a simple man, good-humored, and I enjoy talking with people about what I do. I like to explain the mechanics of my work, and also to create new things. This is not only to sell — creating entertains me and I get excited with each new project. I love beginning something new. Developing a new design is like planning for the birth of a baby. I draw, cut the wood, carve it, sand it, take it apart and start from zero until I have a finished piece that makes me happy.
"At one time, I had a workshop with 40 carpenters working with me. But, as time passed, we had some bad seasons and a lot of competition. My work declined little by little.
"I was one of the first artisans to craft fruit in the area and I had a lot of apprentices, many of whom have become quite successful at this. Today, I am teaching my nephew and my brother-in-law to work with wood, paints and varnishes that can be easily obtained. We like to play with colors and discover our own combinations. Afterward, we sand the pieces and give them a lovely finish with varnish, as it is the perfection of the finishes that inspire me most.
"At first, it was difficult, especially building a base of clients. But with hard work and effort, I've been able to continue working with this art form. I'm in charge of designing, crafting and sales, and everyone in my workshop has his own responsibilities so that our designs are of good quality.
"We don't use complicated or modern tools, just a lathe, a band saw, a drill and a polisher. I enjoy showing the variety of fruit we have here, and its colors.
"Right after the terrible earthquake of 1976, there was just no money in Guatemala and I had to go to Honduras to sell my designs. Thank God, we were able to keep the workshop and get through those tough times.
"Apart from my work, I like going to church, and I enjoy reading about carpentry and decoration. In this way, I've been able to make my creations different and everyone seems to like them.
"Once, my work was selected for a catalog of Guatemalan handicrafts. I felt very proud because being selected for an international catalog is a reason to celebrate.
"I really enjoy my work and, over the years, it has let me take my designs far beyond the borders of Guatemala. I am so proud of the resources we have here.
"I'm grateful to you for the opportunity to have a window to the world through the web page. I'm also grateful to everyone who makes your homes a cultural showcase for artisans like me, who live and dream of our work."
Central America Fulfillment 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.
Maker BadgePreserving Traditions
Woodworking had been an important aspect of Victor's community for many generations. Victor continues to teach his son and grandson his techniques so they can continue to preserve the craft for generations.
Maker BadgeProfound Impact
Victor feels blessed to be able to reach so many people without having to leave his country. Most of his income is through NOVICA and he relies on it to provide for his family.
Maker BadgeMoving On Up
With the help and support of his family, Victor has been able to grow his business and provide a better life for himself and his family.
Maker BadgeAward Winning
Victor was recognized for his work and received a scholarship to study microenterprise management in Oregon.
Maker BadgeMedia Featured
Victor's work was featured in a catalogue of Guatemalan handicrafts.
Maker BadgeElder Master
This artist is an elder master and continues to actively practice their craft.
Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing
Victor Hugo Lopez has received 6 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $100 and the most recent for $600. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of cedar and cypress woods for production.
5 Reviews for
Victor Hugo Lopez
October 31, 2021
P
Pat
This is a perfect phone stand for my desk. It keeps my phone where I can see it, &it looks like my kitty too.
Reviewed itemOctober 14, 2020
P
Prabha
These serving utensils are simply lovely- the rich brown of the wood is perfectly capped by the pop of color and the cute vegetable motifs. They have a good grip and work well for serving salads. It's almost a shame to use them- they make me smile every time I see them.
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