Gabino is a most unexpected find in the pueblo of La Unión with its charmingly primitive style. By contrast, he creates finely-detailed carving, e.g., his Virgin of Guadalupe, replete with a bouquet of delicately-colored flowers. It is Gabino’s intention to surprise his visitors, as he enjoys the expansiveness of his imagination. He carves a classic black and white cow; on its belly is the Virgin, below which is a table whose legs double as teats for the calf that accompanies its mother. Gabino does all the highly detailed carving of his pieces, while his wife does the majority of the painting. He also creates the mane and alfalfa portions that his animals chew by wedging crevices into the back and mouth. His other favorite pieces are crocodiles bearing their young on their back, angels and Virgins of Guadalupe surrounded by natural elements such as cacti.
