Jose Varela was born in 1963 under very humble circumstances in El Hurace Mexico in the municipality of Lerdo Durango. His mother died giving birth to his brother when he was only 7 years old. Things only worsened and soon after had to leave school bringing his formal education to an end. Like many children in Mexico, he began working long hours. He helped his father at the stone mill crushing big rocks down to nearly sand with a big hammer.

After working under semi-slave conditions for the church, he found a job working for a small company that belonged to the same church. He eventually opened up his own small shop where he dedicated himself to the design and fabrication of household accessories such as candleholders, furniture, etc. made from shaped iron. Its its during this time when at his shop the famous Mexican sculptor Adrian Reynoso drops by sparking off a friendship.

Adrian Reynoso recognizing Varela’s innate talent and creativity, encourages him to keep developing his inner sculptor. With his new found mentor, Varela’s inner artist is unleashed, and with the guidance of Adrian Reynoso, makes his first sculpture with such passion and concentration that he surprises himself. Because of his isolation, he developed his own alternative style fearlessly working designs into iron while blissfully unaware of the myths and limitations that existed then about making iron sculptures.

It is with his dedication of not holding back, how Varela makes his very first sculpture. The logo symbol for the church, “The Light Of The World”; a 25 foot tall sculpture covered in gold leaf, consisting of two intertwined and looped bodies reaching towards the heavens redemption. Now with his new outlook, he embraces his hidden talent changing his life and personal style.

For various reasons, in the early 90′s he immigrates to the United States where he intuits more opportunities await him there and where he can truly develop himself as an artist. He soon finds work as a welder and after one year makes his first sculpture with borrowed tools. Following this period, he completely discovers himself as a sculptor, as a person of peace, faith of spiritual tranquility.

In 2005 for the first time Varela participates during the annual New Mexico State Fair in the “Gallery of Fine Art” where he enters three of his biggest pieces; “Always Together”, “The Beggar”, and the “Ignorant Prostitute”. His piece, “Always Together” wins an honorable mention.

In 2006 Varela again participates in the Annual New Mexico State Fair this time entering two of his pieces with the “Gallery of Art”. His sculpture “Dreams” wins an honorable mention. Also, in 2006 Varela is invited by the University of New Mexico in Valencia, Los Lunas to present his first independent exhibition in the gallery of the university and is also invited to give classes in the same university.

Since these events, Varela has been featured in a variety of publications; The Weekly, The Voice of New Mexico, and the Valencia County News Bulletin, as well as a variety of other articles regarding his work.

In 2007, Varela continues to grow as an artist and begins to paint.

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