Cruz Enrique España (1950-2020) was a self-taught artist who lived and worked in the villege of San Felipe de Jesús, near Antigua in Guatemala.
He was known as a talented potter throughout his life. Influenced by his father, an artisan, España began working with clay at an early age and opened his studio when he was 20 years old. In his career as an artist, he became well-known for creating hand-painted ceramic sculptures of birds. Naturally curious and exceptionally observant, España studied the behaviors and characters of various birds in the region and captured their unique qualities. Each piece is original – sculpted from quality refined clay, wired, air, then kiln-dried, and painted over several days.
España’s was considered a cultural ambassador of popular art in Guatemala. His ceramic work was celebrated and exhibited internationally. Further, he was known to be incredibly passionate about supporting his community, serving as the president of the House of Culture of La Antigua Guatemala and the Association of Artisans of San Felipe de Jesus.
Indian Bunting
Altamira Oriole
Pink Warbler
Road Runner
Blue Jay
Red Cardinal
American Goldfinch
Bird in Blue, Green, and Red
Great Horned Owl
Scarlet Tanager