Before a sculpture takes its shape, before any stone is carved, Mariela Garibay begins with something much quieter. In the quiet corners of life, she watches. A child laughing to themselves. A couple embracing in silent affection. These are the moments Garibay stores away, turning them over in her mind until they begin to form something tangible.
Her art doesn’t begin with her hands. It begins with her heart. And it’s this deeply intentional process that makes her work so moving.But how does Garibay bring these tender figures to life?
A Sculptural Process Rooted in Emotion
Before picking up a single tool, Garibay spends months imagining her figures' form. Her artistic process begins with quiet observation of the world around her—particularly to moments of human vulnerability, affection, and joy that most overlook.
The Peruvian sculptor first translates these instances of emotional interiority into sketches. Here, Garibay's intention takes its shape. Whether she’s capturing the innocence of a child catching a butterfly or the stillness of self soothing, her figures visualize moments of joy and human tenderness.
From Sketch to Sculpture
Once the idea is fully formed, Garibay begins her meticulous sculpting process. Depending on the concept, she selects a material—bronze, alabaster, Carrara marble, or a clay native to Peru. Each material offers its own personality, texture, and resistance. Garibay carefully chooses the medium to match the feeling of the piece.
Oftentimes, the Peruvian artist turns to alabaster and marble for their softness and translucency. Carving by hand, she shapes the material slowly, rounding out forms that emphasize softness. Even her clay works are steeped in tradition—using ancient Peruvian firing techniques that give her sculptures a warm, sandy finish with unique texture.
For Mariela, the time-staking process of sculpting and the patience needed to complete each work reflects her love and dedication to her art and message. Oftentimes, one sculpture requires many months of labor. This time allows Mariela to imbue each figure with love and meaning.
A Signature Form: Soft Curves, Deep Meaning
Mariela Garibay sculptures are instantly recognizable from their curvy, childlike forms. More imaginative than realistic, Garibay's sculptures have large heads, chubby limbs, closed eyes, and oversized feet. These curvy figures radiate innocence, interiority, and tenderness. Each pose, facial expression, and medium immortalizes a moment, of emotion, memory, and always happiness.
Though technically complex, Garibay’s sculptures feel effortless. That simplicity, however, is the result of painstaking hours of refining, carving, and listening—to the material, to the concept, and to herself.
For Garibay, sculpture is not just about shape—it’s about what the form communicates. “All the hours of reflection, maturation, work, and given love make me aware of the value of things.”
Every piece tells a story—not only of a captured moment or quiet emotion but of time, care, and an artist’s unwavering devotion to her craft.
Why Collectors Are Taking Notice
In an age of spectacle, Garibay’s art stands apart for its sincerity. Her sculptures speak in a universal language—of tenderness, emotion, and the beauty of being human.
From her early exhibitions in Peru to major shows in Paris, Geneva, and Venice, Garibay’s innocent figures continue to leave a lasting impression. Her sculptural process has earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Winternitz Prize (1997, 1999) and the National Design Award for Peruvian Crafts (2005).
Explore all AVAILABLE works by Mariela Garibay
Interested in collecting a work by Mariela Garibay?
Contact us at Carousel Fine Art to view available sculptures and receive private access to new works as they arrive.
