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Mauricio Morales

Mauricio Morales

Handcrafted and painted ceramic bird sculptures in Central America

"I feel so very fortunate to have the family that God has given me. They are my strength."

His name is Mauricio Morales. He was born in the beautiful city of Antigua, Guatemala. From the time he was a child, he suffered life's adversities. His mother abandoned the boy, leaving him with his grandmother.

"She was like my guardian angel," the artisan says. "She took care of me from the first moment I was with her. She wrapped me in her arms. Thanks to her, each day filled me with fortitude. No matter how tough things were, she always knew the right words to say."

His grandmother was young Mauricio's source of inspiration. He admired her hardworking and perseverant lifestyle. She taught him many skills, from carpentry to cooking. They lived in a humble little house that she built with great effort. Today, this is Mauricio's home.

In school, he divided his time between work and study, and this was when he began to work with a well-known ceramic artisan in the city. As time went by, Mauricio gained experience.

In the ceramic workshop, he met his wife and their love began to blossom when they were both quite young. "Meeting Mauricio is the best that has happened in my life. I had always lived well. My parents gave me whatever I wanted. It's been a blessing to know someone who could teach me to appreciate the good things in life. My husband is a loving father who gives his all for his children. He is demanding but a fighter and tenacious. Thanks to him, I learned to do many things I didn't know how to do," she says.

"I know I can be very demanding with my children sometimes," the artisan says. "But I want them to know the real meaning of life, that life is made up of moments. That we must struggle to achieve our dreams. That we shouldn't expect things to come to us. I feel so very fortunate to have the family that God has given me. They are my strength," Mauricio says, with tears in his eyes.

Little by little, he has perfected his work, which has been recognized in many parts of the world. His realistic ceramic bird sculptures form a part of many collections.

Mauricio's greatest dream is that his children learn this art. He wants to be able to give them a college education. Above all, he wants them to become good people."

Cause Badges

Covering Basic Needs

Enabling Education

Preserving Traditions

Profound Impact

Microcredit Financing

Confronting Adversity

Caring for Children

58 items by Mauricio Morales

Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

32

Nadia

Verified Reviewer

11/16/2020

"WOW!!!!"

How absolutely stunning!!! This is really a work of art. Mr. Morales creates beauty. I knew the bird figurine was going to be cute but in person it is more than that: its gorgeous! The detail, the painting, the colors used, and the shaping of ceramic into such a REAL likeness of a pink warbler... Im very impressed. I couldnt ask for better. I will buy more of his birds as gifts. They are treasures to be displayed. My little bird (and by the way, hes a great size!) makes me happy every time I walk by him on my bookshelf.

Best Uses

Gift for friends, family
Gift for self

Purchased Item:

Pink Warbler, Ceramic Figurine of a Pink Warbler Bird from Guatemala

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Mary

Verified Reviewer

11/14/2020

"Vivid color and details"

This is the third bird that I have collected from this very talented and magical artist. I gave the first 2 to 2 friends that appreciate those type of birds and this one I am keeping for me!

Best Uses

Bird lovers will love!

Purchased Item:

Woodpecker, Painted Ceramic Figurine of a Woodpecker from Guatemala

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Mary

Verified Reviewer

11/14/2020

"Gorgeous crafted Bird"

Details are beautiful and fine, a great keepsake for any collector of birds

Best Uses

Details are beautiful and fine, a great keepsake for any collector of birds

Purchased Item:

Peregrine Falcon, Guatemalan Handmade Peregrine Falcon Ceramic Bird Figurine

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Mary

Verified Reviewer

11/14/2020

"Beautifully crafted"

How unique and beautifully created are these birds. This is a very gifted artist.

Tags By Mary

Gifted Artist!

Best Uses

How are unique and beautifully created are these birds
This is a very gifted artist
collection
Collectible

Purchased Item:

Red-Tailed Hawk, Guatemalan Handmade Red-Tailed Hawk Ceramic Bird Figurine

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Mary

Verified Reviewer

10/18/2020

"It s on my windowsill looking out..."

I just love these beautiful birds. They re gorgeous and wonderfully carved and colored. They truly stand out.

Tags By Mary

Spirited and colorful! Adorable...

Best Uses

Decorating shelves

Purchased Item:

Raven, Hand Sculpted Hand Painted Ceramic Raven Figurine

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Cheri

Verified Reviewer

10/14/2020

"Love him"

I ordered him for my grandson who loves cardinals. Beautiful and so life like. Wonderful

Purchased Item:

Cardinal, Hand Sculpted, Hand Painted Ceramic Cardinal Figurine

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