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Eleazar Morales was born in Arrazola, Oaxaca,
in 1976. Oaxaca is known worldwide for its woodcarving traditions.
Morales completed high school in his home town and is totally
self taught as a woodcarver. By the time he was 14, he knew
he wanted to be a carver, and he began learning the craft through
his job as a tour guide. It was during this time that he got
to visit studios of established carvers like Manuel Jimenez,
and he picked up some of their "secrets." However,
it was mostly through his own determination that he achieved
the level of mastery that he demonstrates today. He is now widely
recognized as one of the most talented woodcarvers in the region.
The artist spends most of his time creating whimsical beasts
and figurative sculpture. One of his trademarks is his expressive
use of color. While his carving is often based in reality, his
painted embellishment is surrealistic in nature.
He works in
a variety of sizes, and his subjects range from extinct to living
animals, from mythological creatures to those based solely on
his imagination. His subjects also include religious themes.
Eleazar is married and the father of three. His brother, Susano
Morales, is also a woodcarver. He visits the United States several
times a year, often spending a few weeks in residence at The
Folk Tree, where you can witness his creative process. |
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