Hello, my name is José Luis Santos Trujillo and I love Tenerife, the land where I was born and where I grew up.
I am often asked how I am able to create such beautiful pieces from the roots of the trees here.
It’s simple, I answer. Where people see a root, I only see the work of art that is hidden inside.
THIS LAND IS WONDERFUL
Nature provides me with the raw material I need: heather roots, moral, acacia…
One day of gale some trees fall and their roots are exposed. People know my artisan trade and keep those previously buried treasures for me.
The sea also remembers me. After a day of waves I usually go down to the beach and in the still wet sand I find pieces of wood tanned by salt.
PRESENT THE ROOT TO THE LATHE
Once the root is clean of stone and earth, I take it in my hands and present it to the lathe.
I am looking for a way to make it as centered as possible so that it is not unbalanced when turning it.
There is always a risk that the piece of art will break while it is being shaped on the lathe. A danger that increases if there is an error in the choice of support points.
STUDENT OF RAFEL SAIGÍ
By chance I met the teacher Rafael Saigí and my future was established at that moment.
I learned everything from him and after a year I was already a craftsman and taught woodturning classes.
I was his student and today I feel very honored to be able to continue with the artisan work that he started.
