Gliseria Soto

"Ever since I was a girl, I had to work hard to help my family. I always enjoyed drawing even though fate took me down a different path. While those days were complicated, I worked in all kinds of jobs to get ahead. I'm hardworking, persistent and creative and, somehow, I always knew that I'd be able to achieve my dreams.

"It hasn't been easy. I've had difficult moments, but I'm very proud of each step I've taken because this taught me to be strong and to keep fighting for my dreams.

"I married and my husband and I were blessed eight beautiful children. They are my reason for being, my motivation to go on. We've had to seek new opportunities to support the children. Eventually, we moved into a rental house whose owner worked in reverse painted glass. I had a close relationship with her and, thanks to her lessons, I felt encouraged to create my own designs.

"I knew I had to give 200 percent of my efforts to take care of my work, my home and my family. Many times, I wanted to leave it all, but I had a clear goal and knew I could reach it. I had the ability and skill for this craft, but I had to keep perfecting my work. As time went by, I decided to add new designs to my glass paintings and to embellish my hand-carved mirror frames.

"My children help me with the entire process and have become skilled at painting and carving the wood. Because we worked hard and made sacrifices, we achieved the quality we were aiming for. It didn't happen overnight and we're always looking for new and quality designs. I didn't know if I'd be able to develop the skill I have today but, thanks to this art, I've been able to learn a lot.

"I love my work because it's a constant challenge from the moment the idea is born. We have to create the pattern pieces, cut and paint the glass, and carve the frame. It requires a lot of patience, skill and definitely a lot of passion for the work, otherwise we wouldn't have the same results that I achieve with my children today.

"We find inspiration in nature. Peru's history, culture and traditions also inspire us, as well as paintings, photography and the freedom to explore new designs and shapes. There are many so possibilities and it's exciting to express them through our art.

"I constantly follow the trends to develop new and unique designs. We would like our designs to reach other countries so that people appreciate Peruvian talent. I'm so grateful and proud of all that my family and I have created."