Mask Artist Carver - Boruca, Costa Rica
“I am drawn to Motmots because of their resplendent color and because they are very, very calm. These birds are not at all afraid and allow you to get close and watch them.”
Born in 1976, Francisco was one of the first boys, who at age 12 started making traditional masks with Don Ismael, the father of the modern mask movement
“Thanks to Don Ismael’s training, I had the opportunity to visit and demonstrate at the Selby Gardens several times. I enjoyed sharing my art with many kinds of people.” There, he often met and exchanged painting techniques and ideas with local artists.
As an accomplished artist, Francisco enjoys taking his time and treats his pieces like 3-D canvases in which colors flow naturally without pre-planning. His creativity flows best at night when he feels calm with less distractions. Francisco enjoys the process of designing, carving, and painting his pieces all by himself.
His creativity flows best at night when he feels calm with less distractions. Francisco enjoys the process of designing, carving, and painting his pieces all by himself. That way, he feels in control and has the freedom to shift perspective or adapt a design on the fly to get it just right!