Nano Lopez

Colombian sculptor Nano Lopez has made an extraordinary impact on contemporary sculpture with his instantly recognizable Nanimal creations, which blend folklore, science, industry and nature into imaginative bronze figures collected worldwide. Born October 31, 1955, in Bogota to an affluent family that included a great uncle who served as president of Colombia, Lopez was encouraged early by his artist grandmother, who worked in ceramics and water clay. His father, a chemical engineer, also inspired him through visits to his copper sheeting factory, where the young artist observed beautiful patterns created by sulfuric acid and cupric nitrate crystals.
After winning first place in a municipal drawing contest at age five, Lopez pursued serious artistic training at the School of David Manzur, the Rembrandt Academy and the National University in Bogota. In 1978, he traveled to Madrid to work with sculptor Francisco Baron, learning to carve marble and granite on a monumental scale and casting his first bronzes. He continued his studies in France in 1980, becoming the top student accepted to the Superior National School of Beaux Art in Paris, where he explored new casting materials.
Lopez eventually settled in Walla Walla, Washington, where he built an eight thousand square foot custom studio in 2001. His work is represented by Park West Gallery.