By Carlos Dávalos
Passion for Arabian beauty
Jose Carlos works with leather and colours
He uses the Umayyad ornamental techniques on leather
His first piece was made at the age of 14
Jose Carlos Villarejo García learned from his uncle, Ramon Garcia Romero. Jose Carlos was completely fascinated by him from a young age and in particular his specialty, which is called guadamecí. It is a technique that consists of decorating Cordoba leather. Jose Carlos has not stopped there, he has mastered other techniques such as making parchment, marbled leather, binding and openwork leather. The guadamecí technique has Arabian origins, a region that Jose Carlos is strongly influenced by. He has researched the Umayyad dynasty a great deal, delving into its history and trawling through all the documentation that exists about the craft that was produced at that time. His work is closely related to the cultural, historical and social context of the craft of leather gilding. For him, innovation is a natural process of experimentation, achieved over many years.
What is the most pleasurable thing about your work?
My art transports me to an illusory world full of beauty where philosophy and history are in continuous communication. It is a pleasure and privilege to be able to develop such a unique technique as the one I achieve with the guadamecí.
What do you think are your limits?
I have no limits in my work. This is a very unusual profession in the artistic and working world. Creativity, study, drawing, painting, management and organisation are all involved in my work.
What do we not know about your profession?
Behind every work, there is a great deal of research. Universities and foundations – both national and foreign – are in constant contact with my museum, and with me. In tandem with them, I have been able to develop all details about my technique and its historical context.
Do you have any advice for a young artisan?
I would tell them that love and commitment to their craft will be what distinguishes them from the rest. If you don't truly love your craft you will never stand out. The work has to speak for itself, be extraordinarily beautiful and worthy of admiration.
