Juan Humberto Lobos Palma

Silver in all its forms

• Juan is inspired by museums and colonial art
• He seeks to materialise his imagination through his creations
• He preserves techniques and traditions by making traditional Chilean jewellery pieces

Juan Lobos Palma was born into a modest family that never had a direct relationship with craftsmanship. His interest in silversmithing and goldsmithing arose after completing his secondary education. "That is when I met a student from the now-defunct National School of Artisans," says Juan. "During the two years I was there, I completed a demanding programme aimed at training highly specialised artisans." After obtaining the master goldsmith title, and being the best in his class, Juan joined the workshop Platería Inglesa. "In 1996, I bought the workshop and immediately changed its name to Platería Chilena, in line with the traditional character of my pieces. Jewellery has become my livelihood," he says. To younger individuals, Juan recommends working with perseverance and honesty: "Be the first quality control of your own work."

Interview

©Dan Carvajal

©RAUL PIRCE

How did you start your career in your craft?

Through my contact with urban artisans, I adopted the informal marketing method they used at the time, the so-called pañeo. I would display silver rings I made on a cloth in the streets of downtown Santiago de Chile, especially on Paseo Ahumada.

What moment do you remember with joy?

The Chilean Senate asked me to create a silver chalice that would be presented as an offering at the Vatican's holy mass, where we would have the first Chilean saint: San Alberto Hurtado. This happened on October 23, 2005.

Of all the techniques you employ, which one do you enjoy the most?

What I do is traditional silversmithing, and of all the techniques I work with, the one that makes me happiest is chiselling. I often preserve techniques and traditions through my creations. I enjoy materialising my imagination.

Do you have other lines of work besides creating traditional pieces?

Another line of work for me is the creation of indigenous goldsmithing. In fact, in 2009, I received the Seal of Excellence in Crafts with a personal variation of some chaway, Mapuche earrings.

Juan Humberto Lobos Palma is a master artisan: he began his career in 1985 and he started teaching in 1995

Works

©Dan Carvajal

©Dan Carvajal

©Dan Carvajal

©Dan Carvajal

Where