1st. Bi-Monthly Edition

• Carvers from the Mayan World
• Radical Ecology: Thoughts and Poetry
• Latest Monumental Works: The   Virgen Mary and an Aztec Mural

     My contact with the people from the region took on a more personal note because of the clay sculpting of Mayan figures and themes that I was doing. Gradually, I have come to realize that, together with the simplicity and humility that they have, they also possess great mastery, dedication and passion. To a great extent my work has become a very important human and social undertaking. The indigenous blood that runs through the veins of the Mexican is blood that cannot stop creating. As a result, the potential that the Mayans have, as carvers and sculptors, is enormous although virtually untapped . It`s sad to say that, in many cases and because of this lack of knowledge of their skills, many are destined to become nothing more than poorly paid construction helpers, servants, street cleaners, etc. Here in the workshop, in a matter of months, I was able to awaken this dormant richness which dwells within. As they work they communicate in their own language, a language that the Mexican Government and private organizations are desperately trying to preserve.

Radical Ecology:Thoughts and Poetry

     Renato´s  work is both a celebration and a lament of man´s relationship to the world. The term "Radical Ecology" is used to express his personal views on ecology and the general lack of real interest shown by the world population towards saving our planet.

For Renato, the Earth is a living being of which we humans are only minute cells. Thus, driving our planet to extinction is nothing less than suicide.  

Latest Monumental Works: The Virgen Mary and an Aztec Mural

     Two very contrasting themes were presented and Renato was up to the challenge: Because of his experience with monumental, free standing sculptures, Renato was approached by Father Pierre, a French priest, who is now heading a new church in Cancun. Even with years of experience the 8 high Virgen Mary still proved to be quite a personal confrontation  because of the need, not only to evoke love, kindness and compassion from her facial expression but to touch the hearts of the congregation as well ... a far cry from the strength and force which normally emanates from the Mayan expression. Father Pierre asked to be notified  when Renato began to carve the face so that church members could pray for guidance of the artist´s hand. When the sculpture finally arrived on Dec 11th, the congregation began to sing. They were pleased.

The 18 ft x15 ft  Aztec stone Mural was carved in Cancun and sent by trailer to the Melia Reforma Hotel in Mexico City where it was installed in the lobby, under the supervision of the installation team. This was the 3rd Hotel, of the Melia chain, that Renato has decorated.