Fruit Ninja IRL: Luis Gonzalez Carves Out a Fruitful Endeavor

When Luis Gonzalez answers my question, “If you were a fruit, what would you be?” with “An apple,” it’s not just a whimsical analogy. His response encapsulates his artistic doctrine: individuality, simplicity, and beauty in imperfection. From his Colombian roots to his Miami-based studio, Luis’s art bridges culture, craft, and sustainability. The artist has a way of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

If you’ve ever stumbled upon his vivid, sculpted cherries or his polished, gleaming bananas at an art fair, as I did a few years ago, you’ll understand the magnetism of his work. Beyond their immediate appeal, these pieces whisper a story—one of resilience, nostalgia, and a quiet rebellion against waste. But his journey—like his work—is anything but linear.

Luis Gonzalez’s woodworking journey began in Colombia, where he watched his father work with tools and machinery. That early exposure sparked a fascination with creating functional objects from raw materials. Emigrating to the United States in 2004 marked a turning point. His wife and mother encouraged his passion, giving him the tools to begin a new chapter in Miami.

“My wife is an integral part of Mamalu Wood,” Gonzalez says, emphasizing the personal connection behind his brand. The name “Mamalu” is a tribute to the two women who have been steadfast pillars of support in his life and career. The studio honors their unwavering support, embodying love, gratitude, and the courage to begin anew.

While woodworking is an ancient craft, Gonzalez approaches it with a modern ethos. He innovates by incorporating sustainability and unconventional materials. His work pays homage to the traditional Colombian arts and crafts he grew up with—woven apple and pear figurines, rustic and textured. But his Miami-based creations are also deeply tied to the land he now calls home.

After hurricanes ravage Florida, Luis salvages discarded hardwood from the debris piled on Miami’s streets. “It felt like my calling,” he recalls. These salvaged woods, which might otherwise rot in landfills, find new life as vibrant cherries, martini olives, and towering bananas in his studio.

Luis’s dedication to sustainability is not merely a practice—it’s a philosophy. “The material speaks to me,” he explains. “Wood is not static. It’s malleable and changes during the drying process. An apple I imagine might turn into a pear, depending on the wood’s reaction.”

Luis’s sculptures aren’t just created—they’re cultivated. The process starts with years of drying, allowing the wood to mature and stabilize. The process of creating a Mamalu Wood sculpture is as meticulous as it is transformative. Unlike many woodworkers, who carve into fresh wood, Gonzalez begins with salvaged hardwoods that undergo a three-to-four-year drying process.

Once the wood is ready, Luis uses a chainsaw to rough out an initial form. The early carving is stored again until it’s fully dry, and only then does the handwork begin. Using traditional carving tools and a lathe, Gonzalez shapes the final piece before sanding and sealing it to a smooth, tactile finish. The painting process is equally intentional. Gonzalez, alongside his wife, mixes oil and acrylic paints to enhance the wood’s natural tones while introducing vibrant, playful colors. “The painting is done by hand,” he says. “We create mixes and reactions that flatter the wood’s texture.” The result is a collection that feels both playful and profound.

Luis’s fruit sculptures—iconic apples, cherries, and bananas—reflect his deep connection to nature. “Fruit is far less difficult to make mistakes with,” he admits, laughing. Unlike intricate cakes or pastries, which require exact detailing, fruit allows him the flexibility to explore organic shapes and textures. “Fruit lets me be free,” he says, smiling. He sees each piece as a celebration of nature’s beauty and bounty, from its imperfections to its resilience. His latest explorations include oversized coffee beans and hanging bananas, pushing the boundaries of his creative practice.

Sustainability is key to Gonzalez’s work. By reclaiming wood discarded after tropical storms and urban tree-cutting, he not only reduces waste but also imbues his sculptures with a sense of the past. “Whatever sustainable techniques I can harness, I incorporate,” he says. Increasingly aware of excessive waste, Luis’ creations highlight the potential of discarded materials that many overlook.

Even scraps from his studio find a new purpose. He stays broad-minded during the carving process, allowing the wood’s natural grain and texture to guide him. Flaws in the wood are opportunities to adapt and innovate. Luis accommodates the potential of utilizing other recyclable materials, such as glass or leather, though for now, he focuses on the delicate balance of wood and pewter stems. “Mixing two mediums is already challenging enough,” he says, “but I’m always open to the new.”

Mamalu Wood has become a recognizable asset at art fairs across South Florida, from Naples to Coconut Grove. These public spaces provide a platform for Gonzalez to share his message of sustainability with a wide audience. “It’s important for my work to support the protection of the planet,” he says.

His popular cherries and martini olive sculptures are consistent bestsellers, anchoring his public exhibitions. These signature pieces not only attract collectors, but also introduce new buyers to his work. Gonzalez’s work doesn’t have to scream to make an impact. Through his humble approach to the craft, he carves not just sculptures but relationships, proving that every small purchase holds weight.

Private commissions, however, allow him to experiment. Recent highlights are his first hanging banana and coffee beans, playful nods to both his heritage and his medium’s versatility. And while his current focus is on smaller-scale works, Luis dreams of creating large-scale public art installations. “I would love to create a large-scale banana in Miami or the big apple in New York,” he says with excitement. Monumental public works could transform his small-scale messages into a wider civic dialogue. When asked to say a few words of encouragement for the next generation, Luis speaks with determination. “We have a responsibility to care for the planet,” he says. He encourages young artists to prioritize sustainable techniques, not only for environmental reasons, but because it enriches the art and resonates with buyers. “Collectors want to feel good about where the piece comes from,” he confidently comments.

His studio shows no signs of slowing down. As Mamalu Wood gains recognition, Gonzalez remains grounded, focusing on small steps. His upcoming showcase at Creativo’s Art Basel event in December marks another milestone. Luis Gonzalez’s sculptures are more than just a pop-art centerpiece—they are the fruition of resilience and an ode to the enduring beauty of simplicity. Asked once more about his choice of fruit, Luis doesn’t hesitate. “An apple,” he says with a smile. “It’s simple, beautiful, and unique. Just like each piece of wood I work with—and just like each of us.”