William Meneses

"I thank God. Im grateful for the life hes given me and the art that is my passion, one I live for every day.

"I was born in 1978 in Limas entrepreneurial district of Villa el Salvador. I am a sculptor.

"I was always curious about art. I loved to look at images of paintings and sculptures — the talent of these creators inspired me a lot.

"Here in Lima, I attended a government school where the sheer number of students forced them to offer two groups, the morning group and the afternoon group. I was lucky enough to get into the afternoon group, so I could work and go to school at the same time.

"One morning as I was leaving the house, I ran into a neighbor and he offered me work. He said the job was in a wood carving workshop and all Id have to do was sand and polish the carvings. I didnt need any experience. He offered me 30 Peruvian sols a week, and this was enough to cover my school supplies and also bring something home to my family.

"I discovered that my interest in art was much greater than I realized. I loved watching the entire process, learning which tool was used for what. My dream was to be able to use these tools and learn to carve. But, since I was the sander, I wasnt allowed to work on sculptures.

"As time went by, while I worked at sanding, I spent a lot of time very carefully observing how the carving and detail work was done.

"One night, the workers had organized a fiesta to celebrate someones birthday. While they were distracted by the music and drinks, I took advantage and selected a sculpture that was half-finished and decided to complete the carving. The sun came up before I finished, but it was a dream come true! I had finally put my observations in the workshop into practice.

"Everyone was so impressed that they let me begin helping with the carving process. Little by little, I became a master craftsman, and this is how I became part of this wonderful world of wood sculpture.

"Today, I have many dreams. For example, Id like to get more tools for my workshop. But most of all, Id like to have a house of my own, properly built with cement blocks and with nice finishes. At the moment, we live in a wooden house I built myself on a piece of land my mother gave me.

"I thank God. Im grateful for the life hes given me and the art that is my passion, one I live for every day. And so happy with my precious family, to whom Im teaching this art little by little."