JGlez was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. As a child and young adult he was very impressed by the construction and architecture of the 1800’s found in Old Havana “Havana Vieja”. As he learned and observed these historic places, he was most amazed by how every single piece, from the blocks to the nails, of these old cathedrals, forts and buildings were all made by hand. These historical buildings have astonishing details found on the stained glass, murals and the extreme elaborate floors and ceilings.

What amazed JGlez the most within these historic buildings was the metal details found on stair rails, windows and balconies. He saw the beauty created by cold, rusty metal made by the great techniques used in the 1800 and early 1900’s. These great techniques were achieved by using the heat produced by flame and the power of a hammer. This inspired JGlez to learn and master the “old techniques of metal transformation” from the 1800’s. Knowledge of these basic techniques and the properties of metal, allows JGlez to create amazing metal art known as “Repujados en Metal” Metal Repoussé and Chasing Art.

JGlez endured many horrific events to come to a land were he would be allowed to create art from within his heart and not repressed by a country where free thinking is prohibited. He also knew that his talent was not going to be used to its fullest while living in a place where supplies are limited. As a father, he thinks of his child’s future, which reinforces his love of nature, allowing him to be truly passionate in transforming natural raw metal sheets into nature and fantasy Repoussé Art, as found in his most recent work.