Armando Lopez

I create all my sculptural pieces by starting with a wire armature to which I then wrap, weave, and glue many layers of damp corn husksor other gathered natural fiber to build the body of the piece. Using natural mineral pigment mixed with water, I then paint the facial features. The hair, clothing, and other elements are made of various natural fibers. The entire piece is then painted with a varnish that I make from Piñon pitch and grain alcohol. Precious and semi-precious stones, such as fresh water pearls, rubies, emeralds, and turquoise are added as the final step after the piece has dried.The theme of my work is the Old and New Testament, which I interpret in the light of my Native Mexican experience of the Christian worldview.