Efraín Fuentes.

Efraín Fuentes is a third-generation woodcarver, learning the craft from his father who was taught by his grandfather. Efraín began carving early in life at age seven, leading him to exhibit his art abroad at only age thirteen. As an adult, Efraín married Silvia Gómez from his hometown of San Martín Tilcajete, who became his artistic collaborator by decorating his wood carvings with colorful painted details. Today, their children join them in their family workshop, where they together create pieces inspired by Oaxaca’s indigenous Zapotec culture. The Fuentes family’s alebrijes are painted with traditional designs found in the region’s archaeological sites, such as the Zapotec capital Monte Albán, imbuing them with their ancient cultural heritage.

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