FOR JR BARELA

woodworking and silversmithing has become a way to embrace life after recovering from open heart surgery nine years ago. “I realized that life is a miracle,” he says. “I can see God move in different ways.” Some of that miraculous movement happens through his hands as he continues to push himself to create new designs and learn new silversmithing techniques. Today it’s a retirement hobby that has become a business, though he says he never wants it to feel like work.

Much of his work is influenced by his faith and New Mexico roots which manifest in designs like his sacred hearts and cross jewelry, as well as wooden crosses with silver accents. He shares a studio in his backyard with his wife Josie, who is a candle and soap maker. It’s there that he often sits at his bench and just sees what comes together.