Mayo Licona

Biography: I am a retired secondary science teacher and university professor. I live in Dixon where I create my wood art. I usually present my work at the Dixon Studio Tour, the Contemporary Hispanic Market and some juried art shows in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and Arizona. I have a studio in Dixon, NM where I do all my work. My creations is usually in the form of functional wood such as cutting boards, tables, stools, and wall art inlaid with gem stones.

Media Description: I create functional wood art using mostly mesquite wood that is inlaid with turquoise and fossil ammonites (other woods and minerals are also used). Sometimes I use natural cracks and holes in the wood to inlay various minerals (e.g., turquoise, phosphosiderite, lepidolite, chrysocolla, orpiment). I also create designs for inlay with a router such as flowers, trees, animals and landscapes. All wood art that may be used with food is infused with a food-safe finish. I make this wood butter finish from fractionated coconut oil and beeswax.