MY LIFE
Adios Cuba!
Born in 1971 in Cuba, I started carving wood in my early ages, little pieces of wood were my only toys. This material has been since a source of inspiration and creativity, which allowed me to escape the harsh reality of my country. Each branch, each little piece of trunk is an invitation to my imagination.
Later I attended the School of Wood Furniture’s Design,Instituto Politecnico Tomás David Royo Valdés Batabano, in La Habana which completed my perception of wood.
In 1994 like many other Balseros, I left my country on a poorly and hastily-made raft (out of inner tubes), which did not get us very far. After a terrible journey in the sea for 9 days and the loss of 2 of my friends, I was finally rescued by the US coast guards and sent to refugees camps in Guantanamo and Panama.
Following a long and exhausting year, I was then granted to live in the United States. I now live in Kansas City.
My life, my culture and the absence of my country are a direct source of inspiration
in my work.
1995 Guantanamo Refugee Camp