Cardenas Family Products - UNICEF Market Canada

Cardenas Family

The Cardenas Family began their work in wood carving in the early 1990s. Tomas was born in Jocotenango, a town known for its wood sculptures, and became involved in this art when he was still a boy. In this way, he was able to contribute to the family economy. "I've continued this ever since and today I've passed it on to my wife and children. They've all learned and we work together to create wonderful and beautiful designs. "I'm an honest man. I fight to achieve my goals. I'm not a conformist and, despite life's obstacles, I'm still on my feet. "I was born in 1942 in Jocotenango, a small town near the colonial town of Antigua. I grew up surrounded by stately old architecture with cobblestone streets, and with the beautiful people of my town. "When I was nine, I wanted to help my mother with the household expenses. We were very poor and I always saw how she struggled to feed us and pay the bills. So I learned to carve fruit figurines with my machete and a file. I remember that I'd carve nine pieces a week, and I'd take them to Guatemala City to sell for two quetzales each. I felt happy because I was bringing in something for the family finances. My art gave me the opportunity to meet lots of people and this motivated me to work harder to get ahead. "When I was 17, I had to go to the southern coast. It wasn't a decision I made because I wanted to but I had to go out of necessity. I went to work in the cane fields cutting sugar cane, I earned only 45 quetzales a month. I found it hard to work under the hot sun all day without water to drink, and to sleep in the fields beneath the open sky. At 3:00 a.m., they'd send me to stand watch over the fields. It was a harsh experience at my young age but I learned a lot. "Later, I returned to my town, eager to continue with what I loved best ? wood carving. I practiced day and night, imagining new designs before I'd go to sleep. And I worked until I transformed my passion into my art. "My dream is to be able to spend time with my family and leave them this art as my legacy. I work with them because I want them to learn and I hope they become as passionate about wood carving as I am. We organize ourselves to carve, sand, varnish and paint our designs from blocks of wood we cut with machetes. "I'm always supervising and helping everyone. I check the finishing and the work of each person. But I also work. I can't imagine myself without a lathe, a file or sandpaper nearby. "I hope you like our work. I hope it reaches your hearts. Remember, behind each one of our designs are hands blessed by God."

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Cardenas Family

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