Known for his unique wood carvings, or intaglios (the technical term), Mario Sanchez’s career as an artist spanned over 70 years. Depicting the Key West of old, Sanchez captured the daily life of Key West and Tampa, recreating scenes of Bahamian funeral processions, fish markets and cigar factory workers. His work highlighted moments from his childhood and the world around him as he saw it.
Born in 1908 on the second floor of his family’s bodega on Duval Street, Sanchez was a descendant of Cuban immigrants. A self-taught artist, he began his career by carving images of local fish into discarded wooden tobacco crates, then selling his work on the street — for $1.50 each.
The Key West Art & Historical Society, which houses the largest collection of Sanchez’s work in the world, last week opened an exhibit showcasing his most notable pieces as well as works previously unknown to the public. The exhibit highlights every aspect of Sanchez’s creative process, from the old grocery bags he used for carbon transfers to the wood he carved at his personal workbench. The exhibit will run until May 18.
Organized by KWAHS historian and curator Cori Convertito, the exhibit aims to showcase the life and work of Sanchez to visitors and locals.
“He touches on so many points that are integral to the art community, particularly because we are an art community now, but we weren’t when he started,” said Convertito. “The work he created goes beyond a piece of art. It is a history lesson. Each of his wood carvings is such an integral part of his art. It’s about the memories, his childhood and the nostalgia, passing that on.”
In attendance on the exhibit’s opening on Dec. 6 was Sanchez’s niece, Cookie Sellers, who shared childhood memories and her adoration for her uncle with Keys Weekly.
Sellers recalled watching Sanchez work on his carvings and still owns many items created by her uncle, including a workbench, various art pieces and personal items he crafted for her.
One particularly treasured gift from her uncle was a simple wood carving of Jesus, given to her upon her graduation from the Convent of Mary Immaculate, later known as Mary Immaculate High School.
“He gave me this woodcarving of Jesus, very simple and plain,” said Sellers. “He wouldn’t even sign it because he said, ‘This work is unfinished because Jesus’ life was unfinished.’ It wasn’t until a few years before his passing that he finally signed his carving.”
Sanchez has been critically acclaimed as one of the most important Cuban American folk artists of the 20th century. His work is in notable museums, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Whitney and the American Folk Art Museum. Sanchez’s motto, “Se que mi modesto arte no es bueno, pero gusta” — or “I know my modest art isn’t good, but it pleases” — continues to inspire artists today.
