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Manuel Jimenez & Sons - Biography
Manuel
was the most respected woodcarver in Oaxaca.
He is regarded as the founder of the art form.
All the styles in carving that are seen today can
be traced back to him. Manuel’s artistic genius and
innovations transformed woodcarving into an art form.
Manuel grew up in one of the poorest villages in Mexico,
near Mount Alban. He herded
goats as a child and started
carving wood that he found in
the hills while he watched
the animals. He started selling his carvings at local markets.
He suffered many years for his art, but never lost his artistic vision.
One of Manuel’s signature works is the Nahual.
This is an animal with a human face. It reflects the idea
that humans transform into animal spirits at night.
The physical world and the realms of spirit merge in each unique
carving.
Eventually, Manuel was discovered and his career as an
artist took off. He was responsible for the carving boom that
changed Oaxaca forever. This new art form brought
newfound prosperity to many of the poor villages.
Manuel worked with his two sons, Angelico & Isaias who
learned from their father’s side. They now carve in cedar, whereas
most
other artists use copal wood. Manuel was the oldest and
most successful woodcarver in Oaxaca. His works are displayed
in many museums and private collections around the world.
Manuel passed away this year in March. He will be
missed all.
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