SOFA West Santa Fe 2009 5/8/2009
The SOFA exhibit The World's Foremost Fairs of Contemporary Decorative Arts & Design DATES SET FOR FIRST SOFA WEST SANTA FE JUNE 11-14, 2009 SANTA FE CONVENTION CENTER
Artist's Biography
This biographical section is a short introduction to the master artisans of San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua. Other materials accompany works by these artists; DVD video "Three Generations", images, and cirriculums.
Gregorio Bracamonte
Gregorio Bracamonte is the spirit of the San Juan de Oriente, Nicaragua community. Gregorio is a teacher, community leader, and now after decades of mastering his craft, an internationally acclaimed artist.
Gregorio's style is based in the indigenous methods of the Nicoya, Maya as well as other Mesoamerican cultures. Revitalizing these lost techniques has placed Gregorio among a unique group of pueblo potters responsible for enlightening generations of their forgotten past.
Gregorio's work is approaching the status of great indigenous masters throughout the Americas.
Helio Gutierrez
Under master Gregorio, Helio Gutierrez displayed a creative capacity beyond the common student. A powerful desire to establish himself as his own artist motivated Helio to become the contemporary master.
Helio's work has transformed this Nicaraguan pueblo into a major focal point of international interest. Helio's stone polished sculptures in clay are actively being collected by heads of state, art aficionados, and ceramic enthusiasts as some of the most significant work available by a contemporary artist.
Helio Gutierrez is being mentioned along with world masters transcending design and form in clay.
Miguel Maldonado
Miguel Maldonado has been featured internatioanlly since he was 15 years old. Under Helio Guitierrez he rined a contemporary style. Today Miguel's pieces are an incredible mixture of creativity, measurment and innovation.
Miguel's museum quality work is full of contemporary style. Miquel's work has spearheaded a revelution of young San Juan de Oriente artists bring their own concepts on top of the indigenous tradition.
Miquel is a choice for a collector wanting to add impeccable quality to their collection.