Stone Sculpting and Wood Carving with Julio
Harvest stones in a river bed and develop a complete understanding of the different processes of stone carving under the guidance of Julio, a prolific Mexican sculptor. This includes a complete gastronomic experience and a guided tour of Mexico city.
- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
- Airport Transportation
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $2925
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $1345
Meet the Artist
Julio is a prolific mexican stone sculptor of precious and semi-precious stones, wood and metals, working between pure sculpture, furniture, jewelry, tableware and cooking devices in volcanic stone. As a rock climber and student of industrial design, he got interested in the process of transforming stones and studied sculpting under the guidance of Fernando Arnaud.
He’s been carving stones for 25 years, both in high quality manufacturing as well as developing his artistic language. He has constructed relationships with the most important communities of miners, artists, and lapidaries around stones in Mexico. He says that sharing what he knows about stone transformation is a way to keep alive ancient knowledge, and to communicate his personal journey of experimentation and plant the seed for its expansion. When he's not in his studio, he enjoys visiting archaeological sites and gazing upon 16th century architecture.
He’s been carving stones for 25 years, both in high quality manufacturing as well as developing his artistic language. He has constructed relationships with the most important communities of miners, artists, and lapidaries around stones in Mexico. He says that sharing what he knows about stone transformation is a way to keep alive ancient knowledge, and to communicate his personal journey of experimentation and plant the seed for its expansion. When he's not in his studio, he enjoys visiting archaeological sites and gazing upon 16th century architecture.
VAWAA Includes:
- Learning about various types of stones and gemstones, and sizes.
- Gaining an understanding of the mexican sculpture tradition: modern and pre hispanic.
- Learning techniques for combining stone, wood, and other materials.
- Learning how to use stone carving and cutting tools.
- Access to an important art library, studio and tools.
- Your own stone and/or wood sculpture.
- A complete gastronomic experience based on traditional local food and home grown plants, vegetables and fruits.
- Walk to local 16th century colonial churches and chapels, and traditional handicraft studios, such as ceramicists, leather workers, and blacksmiths.
- One visit out of town to either harvest stones at a river bed, visit the marble or basalt mines or spend time at the thermal baths.
- A Mexico City tour showcasing the Mexican stone sculptures and culture from modern and contemporary to pre-hispanic, including a visit to Julio's showroom collection of finished artwork.
Explore Zacualpan de Amilpas, Morelos
Zacualpan de Amilpas is a small rural community with unique, traditional architecture. There are 16th century chapels, sugar cane alcohol distilleries, and a market where locals barter every Sunday. It has a very specific as well as diverse ecosystem. You’ll also find many traditional craftspeople such as blacksmiths and saddlers. Visit museums, thermal baths, and nearby farms for a true taste of the area.
Additional Details
While it's great to visit year round, most important local festivities take place at the end of September and the beginning of October.
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration, as well as can be adapted for kids, elders, or people with special needs. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Working with semi precious stones like quartz, or kinds of obsidian, jasper and jades can be provided at an additional cost.
You will also be around friendly cats and dogs. If you are allergic to these animals, please bring suitable medication before you arrive.
Julio speaks Spanish and English.
This VAWAA is available for a longer duration, as well as can be adapted for kids, elders, or people with special needs. Please ask when you send your booking request.
Working with semi precious stones like quartz, or kinds of obsidian, jasper and jades can be provided at an additional cost.
You will also be around friendly cats and dogs. If you are allergic to these animals, please bring suitable medication before you arrive.
Julio speaks Spanish and English.
Guest Reviews
Barbara E., United States
One of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. Julio and Paola were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. Neither my friend nor I had done stone carving before, but Julio explained everything in an easily accessible and fun way, encouraging us to try things out and work at our own pace.
Anthony M., United States
This VAWAA with Julio was truly transformative! I spent my days immersed in the creative process, working alongside Julio, a talented sculptor, in his studio - pushing me outside my comfort zone, allowing me to embrace a new creative process and find freedom in the unknown. Together, we crafted a beautiful molcajete inspired by Julio’s work - a mix between pre-columbian and contemporary forms. To Read more
Camilla V., United States
Julio and Paola were incredible hosts. I went on this 5-day VAWAA with my 11-year old son, Jack, to do something artistic with him alone (he usually prefers sports). We flew into Mexico City, and then met up with Julio at his studio right on the outskirts. From there, we drove to Morelos. On the way I got a flat tire! Julio graciously spent the time with me and my son to help us navigate the flat Read more
Danielle M., United States
A life changing, amazing experience!
Lindsey A., United States
Our experience was amazing! My 19-year old son and I learned stone carving from Julio over winter break. Julio is incredibly experienced, patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable. We enjoyed seeing his own collection of work and then going into the beautiful outdoor studio to dive right in hands-on. From cutting to sanding to polishing, we began to see our visions emerge from the raw material. I ke Read more
William C., United States
We recently returned from a week working with Julio and Paola in Zacualpan de Amilpas. Our son, Will, had a few months between jobs and wanted to fill the time traveling and learning new skills. This trip seemed like the perfect combination of those goals.
He asked his father, Ken, and me to join him. Let me be honest, my idea of a vacation is sitting by the ocean reading a good book. I initial Read moreTricia K., United States
The week we spent with Julio and Paola was one we’ll remember for the rest of our lives. It has profoundly impacted our creative practice, and taught us volumes about professional and artistic stone carving, as well as Mexican life, culture, and food.
The schedule is as advertised - intense, in the best of senses. Julio dedicates his whole time to your experience and provides a well-equipped st Read more
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