About the Artist
Javier is a Mexican-American artist who grew up in Acapulco, Mexico, surrounded by nature. From an early age, he developed a deep love for trees and plants. He often shares how his mother speaks to her plants while watering them—a habit he now finds himself doing as well!
After many years working in the financial industry, Javier discovered bonsai in 2011 as a relaxing counterbalance to his intense MMA training. He took his first class and acquired his first tree that same year, and the ancient art quickly became a central part of his life.
Javier studied bonsai for five years under Erik Wigert at Wigert’s Bonsai in North Fort Myers, Florida. He has also attended numerous workshops with renowned international artists, including Robert Steven (Indonesia), Marc Noelanders (Belgium), Pedro Morales (Puerto Rico), Felipe González (Mexico), Freddy Vivero (Ecuador), Sergivaldo Costa (Brazil), and Natale Posteraro (Venezuela).
Since 2017, his primary teacher and close friend has been Nacho Marín from Venezuela. Javier has attended Nacho’s bonsai schools twice in Mexico, twice in Brazil, and once each in Ecuador and Venezuela, studying and working alongside highly skilled artists under Nacho’s guidance.