Carlos Bonilla

Mexico

Year(s) attended: 2010

Jewelry

The art of hand-crafting fine silver jewelry is in Carlos Bonilla’s blood. Born in Taxco, in the state of Guerrero, one of the premiere silver jewelry-making villages in Mexico, he began working with silversmiths when he was 12.

Through the years, he continued honing his art, working with his grandfather and father. More than three decades later, he has earned the mantle of one of the country’s top silversmiths, catching the eye of the Museo Belber Jimenez, which is sponsoring him here.

His hand-hammered sterling silver necklaces and earrings are made entirely by hand using few tools, including a hammer, needle-nose pliers, tapered jaw cutter pliers and a pinewood charcoal block.

His work represents the customs of the Moros, who came to the Americas in the 1600s from Spain, bringing with them their traditions and culture.