John Angelo LeRouge

One of Ben Ortega’s grandchildren, Angelo has been carving for fifteen years, influenced by his grandfather Ben Ortega and his uncle David Alvarez.  

 

At the age of 10 Angelo would spend his summers with his grandpa Ben.   He taught Angelo how to use carving tools and to carve.  Angelo has developed his own techniques.  One characteristic he has in common with his grandpa Ben is a desire to please.  His work consists of hand carved figures of Saint Francis, San Pasqual, Saint Joseph, Nativities, Flight to Egypt and Angels. 

 

Angelo is passionate about his work because of his great faith.  You can see it on the faces of his carvings, they are quite passive and humble.  He believes that this is a great gift that has been handed down to him.