If what you're looking for are the typical nativity figures, the ones you see on every corner, every web store, and major e-commerce platforms, then perhaps this is not the place for you. But if what you truly seek is to bring to life an artistic nativity scene that evokes deep emotions, touches the heart, awakens genuine feelings, captures the attention of even the most skeptical, and tells stories that breathe tradition, then, my friend, you've hit the mark.
Imagine for a moment that we already know each other, it all started when you chose one of my figures to give that special touch to your nativity scene. Since then, we've kept in touch, sharing ideas about the world of nativity scene making. Now we're sitting in our favorite café, surrounded by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee that fills the air.
Here, amidst smiles and lively conversations, you take out some photos of the nativity scene you're building. I notice how your brow furrows slightly with doubt.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―Do you think I could improve this? ― you ask, passing me your phone.
Me, the Sculptor:
I smile, taking a sip of my coffee before responding.
―You know, creating a nativity scene that truly speaks to the heart is no easy task, but you have a nativity scene sculptor friend by your side who can help.
I lean forward, with that enthusiasm that arises every time we talk about our shared passion.
―Look, after years immersed in the world of sculpture and Nativity scenes, I have acquired quite a few aesthetic concepts applicable to the construction of Nativity sets. I have already published on my website 
'The Nativity Scene Manual', an extensive treatise dedicated exclusively to 'Nativity Scene Composition,' where, over more than 22 pages, I emphasize the importance of focusing on the main theme and avoiding too much distraction from the focal point.
I hand you back your phone, our smiles blending with the bustle of the café.
―Send me an email with what you have in mind. Consider this an open invitation, from friend to friend, to make your nativity scene a masterpiece. Remember, if you feel unsure or need advice, don't hesitate to ask me. I'm here to help.
Me, the Sculptor:
―Can I share a thought about art with you that might surprise you?
Nativity Artist Friend:
―Of course, go ahead.
―Imagine you have a piece of music that moves you deeply. It was originally composed for piano (clay), but then you hear it performed on a guitar (resin). Although the sound changes (the material), the essence of the piece, that melody that touches your soul (composition), remains intact, right? Here, we don't evaluate each musician's interpretation, as it obviously varies; we focus on the piece, on its essential composition.
Now, we can't cling to a single adaptation or just one sculpting material. In our case, as nativity artists, we often favor clay.
But take a look at what happened with the work of the Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz, 'Asturias (Leyenda)'. This piece was originally written for piano in the key of G minor. Interestingly, the title 'Asturias' was invented by the German editor Friedrich Hofmeister after Albéniz's death. Albéniz conceived it as a prelude to his collection of pieces titled 'Chants d'Espagne'. However, the piece has become one of the most iconic works in the classical guitar repertoire, thanks to Francisco Tárrega's adaptation, which he transposed to a key more natural for the guitar: E minor. And while Andrés Segovia's interpretation is undoubtedly the most famous and influential, we see how a work can transcend its original form.
The same goes for creating a nativity figure: clay has a difficulty level of 7 (piano), while 3D modeling can reach a difficulty level of 10 (guitar). To give you an idea, I recommend watching the video 'Which Is More Difficult? Piano x Guitar' from Lord Vinheteiro's channel. [https://www.youtube.com/@Lord_Vinheteiro]
Nativity Artist Friend:
―Yes, that makes sense. But if it's more difficult, why do you model in 3D?
―This is how I see nativity art. Traditionally, we've worked with clay, and it's a wonderful form of expression. But what if I told you that exploring digital tools like ZBrush, created by and for artists, allows us to expand our possibilities without losing the essence of what we do? It's not about replacing clay, but about opening ourselves up to new ways of expressing that same passion and tradition.
Nativity Artist Friend:
―Hmm, I had never thought of it that way.
"Exactly, that's the idea. Art has always evolved, and each new tool gives us the opportunity to explore dimensions we couldn't before. Preserving the essence doesn't mean being stuck in a single medium. How about we explore these new possibilities together, without losing what we love about traditional art?"
Me, the Sculptor:
―That's the idea. Opening new worlds without losing what we love about the old ones. Are you up for exploring?
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―I'm intrigued, but don't you think part of the charm of nativity scenes is that tactile feeling, that connection with the earth that comes from working with clay?
Me, the Sculptor:
―Totally. Clay has a magic that's unique, but think of this as an expansion of our canvas. With digital tools, we can experiment with designs that would be difficult, or even impossible, to create with clay. It's not about replacing clay, but complementing it, taking our artistic expression even further.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―But how do you ensure those digital figures maintain the soul of the traditional ones? That's what worries me the most.
Me, the Sculptor:
―That's a good question. The key is in the artist, not the tool. Technology is just that, a tool. The vision, the passion, the story behind each figure, that's what infuses soul into the art. And that doesn't change, regardless of whether we use clay or a 3D modeling program.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―I suppose that makes sense.
A smile lighting up your face as you pause to reflect. Then, with a flash of understanding in your eyes, you add―: Well, thinking about it, I couldn't do without the internet and my phone! I wonder if it could be the same with digital art. At first, it seems strange, but then it becomes indispensable, don't you think? Maybe it's just another way to connect with our art and our audience.
Me, the Sculptor:
―Exactly. And think of the emotional impact. A figure that perfectly captures the essence of what we want to express can speak directly to the heart, whether it's made of clay or digitally modeled. In the end, what matters is the connection we create with those who view our work.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―I never thought of it that way. Maybe it's time to open my mind to these new possibilities.
Me, the Sculptor:
―And I'll be here to explore them with you. Together, we can discover how these new tools can enrich our tradition and how, through them, we can tell even deeper and more meaningful stories.
Would you like to see how tradition and innovation blend into unique pieces? My gallery is filled with figures that tell stories and evoke emotions. It’s not about selling you something, but about sharing the art and meaning behind each creation. If any piece touches your heart, you’ll know where to find me. For now, just enjoy the journey and let yourself be inspired. I hope you find as much joy in my work as I do in creating it! Think of it like visiting an art gallery: there’s no obligation to buy.
As a nativity scene enthusiast, I know how important it is to keep our tradition alive while seeking new ways to express it. My goal is to share my passion and art with all of you, offering figures that are more than just decorations: they are stories and emotions sculpted. I deeply value the nativity scene community and I'm here to learn and grow with you.
Enjoy exploring my work and let's feel inspired together!
Me, the Sculptor:
―I hope you enjoyed viewing the galleries. I want to share something with you that I consider very special on our artistic journey.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―Sure, I'm all ears.
Me, the Sculptor:
―I have had the privilege of being a pioneer in applying digital modeling to nativity figures, a path I have explored with much passion and respect for our tradition. This advancement, discussed and celebrated in our Nativity Scene Enthusiasts' forum, is not just a personal achievement, but a step forward for all of us in the community.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―That sounds like a big breakthrough. How has it been received?
Me, the Sculptor:
―The response has been incredibly positive. What matters most to me is that this approach is seen as an expansion of our creative tools, not as a deviation from what we love about nativity scene making. Just as we have embraced the internet and the mobile phone in our daily lives, digital modeling offers us new ways to express our art, keeping the essence of our stories alive.
Nativity Scene Enthusiast:
―That's really an inspiring way to look at it. I'm glad to see how our passion for nativity scene making continues to evolve.
Me, the Sculptor:
―And that's the beauty of nativity scene making: we're always looking for ways to grow and enrich each other. If you're interested, I'd be very happy to share and explore these new possibilities together.
If something catches your eye or if you have a vision of your own that you would like to bring to life, don't hesitate to contact me. Together, we can create something truly unique, a reflection of your good taste and appreciation for art that dares to transcend boundaries.
