TrRosendo
Soltelo Beltrán was born in Jalisco 30 years ago. No stranger to
adversity, Rosendo has struggled with polio since he was 14 months old.
After a period of time in an iron lung, Rosendo recovered but no longer
had the use of his legs. It’s a twist of fate that would devastate
most families. But Rosendo’s family never had much use for self-pity
and when he was unable to attend school, he was tutored at home. He has
received the equivalent of a high school degree.
As a child, he spent
much of his time in his father’s blacksmith shop and quickly showed
artistic ability. Today, he runs the shop on his own, producing everything
from decorative railings, stairs, roof supports to metal sculptures. Rosendo
proudly says, “There isn’t anything I can’t make out
of metal!”
The blacksmith has
always been of critical importance throughout history. The first ornamental
ironwork was found in horse gear: stirrups, spurs, and buckles. Next,
artistic items for the home began to be produced - ornate chandeliers,
door hasps, fireplace tools, cabinet hardware - just some of the items
in which the expert craftsman could add artistic touches. Elaborate iron
crosses graced the tops of Catholic churches, smaller crosses marked graves
and intricately designed iron gates and fences surrounded churchyards.
The typical forge
consisted of little more than a fire pit with a bellows and an anvil accompanied
by a few hammers, pliers, punches, and chisels. This magnificent art is
still produced in humble shops like Rosendo’s. He moves throughout
his shop on a small foldable cart of his own design.
Rosendo is married
with a 20-month old son. They are expecting their second child in December.
If
you are interested in purchasing Rosendo's work call or email Marianne
Carlson at 011522 376 765 7485,
mariannecarlson@gmail.com
