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Daniel Vargas

Reviews

18 reviews

Location

Peru

Bio

"I was born in Huancayo province in 1984. My parents emigrated there from Ayacucho in the 1980s to flee the terrorism in the region. I'm the third of seven children, and the five youngest were born in Huancayo.

 

"My parents didn't have jobs so they worked making bricks. From a young age, we children helped them. Even though the work wasn't appropriate for a child, it was the only option we had.

 

"When I was 16, I began helping an artisan who worked in engraving dried mate gourds, a traditional Andean craft. I discovered a talent for this art and worked there until I was 19, when I set up my own workshop. Sales were slow, but I kept perfecting my work and sold mate gourds in the Sunday markets.

 

"I got married when I was 20. Although I didn't have money, a neighbor went to Argentina for three years and let us live in his home while he was gone. When he returned, he asked for his house and I had no place to go. I managed to get a small piece of land and built a one-room adobe house. My two children were born there — a girl in 2005 and a boy in 2009.

 

"Once, a non-governmental organization came to Huancayo looking for artisans and, with their guidance, I was able to work more efficiently. Little by little, I've been improving my house and today, we have two floors built of brick and my own workshop here at home. My children go to school and they like mate gourd art. Sometimes they help attach the cords to our ornaments and, when they're older, I'll start teaching them pyroengraving.

 

"Over time, I've been developing engraved gourds as well as my other designs, and all have motifs inspired in Peru's birds, plants and customs.

 

"My family and friends consider me a creative person. I like innovation and take great care with the quality of my work. I always want to give my best. It's exciting to know that new friends around the world will see my designs and even get to know a little about me. You have opened new doors for me and I see a better horizon in our future."

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Bio

"I was born in Huancayo province in 1984. My parents emigrated there from Ayacucho in the 1980s to flee the terrorism in the region. I'm the third of seven children, and the five youngest were born in Huancayo.

 

"My parents didn't have jobs so they worked making bricks. From a young age, we children helped them. Even though the work wasn't appropriate for a child, it was the only option we had.

 

"When I was 16, I began helping an artisan who worked in engraving dried mate gourds, a traditional Andean craft. I discovered a talent for this art and worked there until I was 19, when I set up my own workshop. Sales were slow, but I kept perfecting my work and sold mate gourds in the Sunday markets.

 

"I got married when I was 20. Although I didn't have money, a neighbor went to Argentina for three years and let us live in his home while he was gone. When he returned, he asked for his house and I had no place to go. I managed to get a small piece of land and built a one-room adobe house. My two children were born there — a girl in 2005 and a boy in 2009.

 

"Once, a non-governmental organization came to Huancayo looking for artisans and, with their guidance, I was able to work more efficiently. Little by little, I've been improving my house and today, we have two floors built of brick and my own workshop here at home. My children go to school and they like mate gourd art. Sometimes they help attach the cords to our ornaments and, when they're older, I'll start teaching them pyroengraving.

 

"Over time, I've been developing engraved gourds as well as my other designs, and all have motifs inspired in Peru's birds, plants and customs.

 

"My family and friends consider me a creative person. I like innovation and take great care with the quality of my work. I always want to give my best. It's exciting to know that new friends around the world will see my designs and even get to know a little about me. You have opened new doors for me and I see a better horizon in our future."

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    Daniel Vargas Daniel Vargas has 18 reviews

    S
    Serena
    Awesome addition to my table!
    S
    Sue
    I almost didn't buy. So glad I did! Large size and adorable! Talented artist!
    D
    Dorma
    The carving was done by an accomplished artist.
    A
    Alice
    Charming. This looks just like the picture and works great to hold trinkets.
    B
    Brienne
    Lovely color and detail! I gave this as a gift, and my Mom loved it : ) Thank you!
    K
    Kathy
    It’s really cute, and so well made. Not sure I will use it as a jewelry box yet... for now it will be in the living room where I can show it off! Thank you, Daniel!
    K
    Kate
    These owls are sweet! I kept one and have given the rest to friends and my mother. Great gift for bird lovers! Their subtle rattle is also fun.
    R
    Robynne
    This is an adorable, well made piece. My niece will love this - she's a teen and I think she will enjoy how beautiful it is and how functional as well.
    J
    Jo Ann
    This box made me smile. It is very well crafted ad just waiting for a piece of jewelry or other small favorite thing
    R
    Ruth
    This was a birthday gift for a dear friend. She fell in love with this unique gourd as soon as she opened the box!
    I
    Irene
    This feline's detail is splendid. He looks exactly like one of my old kitties and is a good memory of him. He was round like this, too. lol. Makes a great gift and have bought a couple more for my son and my best friend's child. Cute box! Fine detailed art!
    D
    Deborah
    My adult son love this xmas gift.
    L
    Linda
    This whimsical gourd carving of cat made me smile when I first saw it. Larger than I expected, it's perfect for a jewelry or trinket holder. It's also nice just a display item, it has so much personality!
    S
    Sue Ann
    This is a beautiful gourd. The artist's attention to detail is amazing. I bought several to give as gifts to cat lovers and know that they will really like them. I personally was so thrilled with the gourd that I just may keep one of them for myself.
    S
    Suzanne
    Such a beautiful item much bigger than I thought because I never read dimensions if you buy this item I guarantee you would love it
    E
    Elizabeth
    Originally I bought this for a gift and loved it so much, I ordered one for myself. Also both of us love cats, have cats and so that became one more reason to get them. The gift is being used for the stated purpose of a jewelry box; mine is part of the handmade items that once obtained, I scatter them throughout the rooms of my house which always elicits comment and stimulates conversation. The whimsical and contented look on the cat's face always elicits a smile or chuckle or laugh too.
    C
    Carrie
    These owl gourds look great on our tree. Everyone who sees them comments on how attractive and interesting they are. The deep red is very Christmasy and the craftsmanship is great.
    S
    Sharon
    Wonderful color and craftsmanship

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