Zeny Fuentes is a Zapoteca Indian and fourth generation woodcarver from San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca, Mexico. He began carving and painting when he was seven years old and was taught how to carve by his father, Epifanio Fuentes who is considered the most famous carver in San Martin Tilcajete - known for his angels and religious figures, his work is sold throughout Mexico and the US.

Zeny's mother, Laurencia Santiago Hernandez, is the primary painter of Epifanio's carvings. As one of their three eldest sons, Zeny is an extremely fine carver and has established his own reputation through his unique carving techniques. He prefers to paint his own figures.

Zeny has demonstrated his carving process and exhibited his work in numerous museums, galleries, schools and educational conferences throughout the US. The fine quality of his work is recognized by collectors everywhere.

In the 1930s, families carved toys for their children and masks for religious festivals and carnivals. Copal wood is primarily used for these carvings. This tree is indigenous only to Oaxaca. Cedar and zompantle are also used for carvings.

Acrylic paints are used to finish the incredible pieces. It wasn't until the 1980s that the demand for Oaxacan carvings became popular. In 1992, the Smithsonian featured well known Oaxacan carvers. American Folk Art dealers flocked to Oaxaca to begin their collections of these unique works of art. Painted woodcarving is a major art form and source of income in three pueblos near Oaxaca City. The Fuentes family resides in the carving pueblo of San Martin Tilcajete.

Contact information:
admin@zenyfuentesoaxacanwoodcarving.com
www.zenyfuentes.com/index.html

Or contact Marianne Carlson at (from the US) 01152 376 765 7485 or email marianne carlson@gmail.com.