Meet Carmen, Alabaster Stone Artisan

Carmen and her family carve intricate candleholders and ornate figures into  Piedra de huamanga, the alabaster stone found local quarries.

Carmen Rosa Flores Galvezis was born in Vintios, a small town an hour away from Huamanga.  When Carmen was just ten years old an earthquake destroyed her home forcing her family to move to the city of Huamanga, Ayacucho.

After moving to Huamanga, Carmen’s brothers began to work with piedra de huamanga, the alabaster stone found in local quarries.  They would carve and sell small figurines to support the family.  When she got older Carmen also began to stone carving.  Now, her family works together to produce and sell their artwork.

Over the past 14 years Carmen has developed her skills as an artist.  She enjoys her business and is proud of her work.  She contiuously looks to innovate and experiment with new designs and ideas.  She particularly likes to make items that are both works of art and are functional such as intricate candleholders and ornate bowls.

Carmen now lives in Ayacucho with her husband and four children.   She dreams of giving her children a better life and of each them receiving an education.