Ernesto Salazar is an award winning artist who professionally carves Santos on a full time basis using red cedar, juniper and aspen wood from Tres Piedras near Taos, New Mexico. His father, Leo Salazar taught him to carve when he was a boy. Born in 1963, Ernesto grew up in Taos and still carves the “old way, using chisels, knives, gouges and a bow saw.

His work is in several galleries and museum permanent collections, including the Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, the Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos and the Museum of International Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has won many awards and is included in many private, church, and corporate collections.

His faith in God has impacted his art. Without God he states that he is nothing or could do nothing! His art has never influenced his faith, his faith has influenced his art. When he does his signature piece, it seems there is nothing religious about it, there is always God involved and influences his pieces.