Near the source of the Magdalena River lies a bed of grayish rocks, each possessing unique qualities and sizes—ranging from sandy to muddy, compact, small or large. Some rocks are darker than others and may exhibit streaks of white, yellow, green, or even pink specks. When the river’s flow is at its ebb, the secrets hidden beneath its surface are revealed. It’s then when the artisans, well-versed in the river’s patterns, venture forth to gather their raw materials. Among these artisans is Jaime Ledesma, a stone carved who has a fondness for rocks tinted in pink or green. His craft demands physical strength, required for moving and lifting the rocks, loading them into awaiting trucks by the riverbanks, and chiseling them until the shape awaiting within them emerges. This craft is also bound to the passage of time—the time it took for water to smooth and shape the stones in the riverbed, as well as the artisan’s intuition for determining the opportune time for rock collection. Moreover, this work progresses slowly, much like the ponderous stones themselves. The carver must know when to take a rest from his work, especially when the ceaseless sound of polisher and chisel begins to stun his senses.

Fifteen years ago, Jaime Ledesma met his craft during a trip with his partner to the jurisdiction of El Jabón in San Agustín, Huila. There, he witnessed a man skillfully carving a soft stone using a nail and hammer. Inspired, he and his partner decided to give the craft a try. With his background in construction, they already possessed a polishing machine. Through self-guided learning, attending artisan fairs, and exploring the Archaeological Complex of San Agustín with its monumental figures carved from volcanic stone, they honed their skills. Another great way of learning was to watch others work. Given that San Agustín is a fertile ground for stone carvers, they were never short of opportunities to observe and learn from others.

Through these exchanges and shared experiences, their techniques evolved. After years of hard work, Jaime was able to make his dream come true—establishing his own workshop and store at his place, on the road linking Pitalito and San Agustín. Here, he collaborates with his partner Irene Anacona, her daughter Marta Botina, as well as Liseth Botina and Jaiber Botina, collectively crafting exquisitely symmetrical vessels.

Upon entering the workshop, visitors are greeted by a sculpture of a stone carver, clutching a chisel, alongside two gardens. The first garden blooms with flowers, plantains, and beans. The second garden houses stones awaiting their second harvest, having been plucked from the riverbed. These stones are marked, machine-cut, polished, and then chiseled into mortars, ashtrays, and sauce boats. After years of practicing his craft, Jaime possesses an intuitive understanding of which rocks are suited for the pieces he envisions. This profound expertise can only be cultivated through time and experience, and he takes great pride in this accomplishment. The fruits of his labor are evident when he attends artisan fairs in Pitalito, Medellín, Manizales, Neiva, Popayán, or Bogotá. During these events, he has the opportunity of connecting with new people and places. As Jaime reflects, without his stone-carving expertise, he wouldn’t have the privilege of experiencing all these novel encounters.