Joseph Maez

Joseph Maez was born on December 5, 1980, the first child of Dolores and Emery Maez. He has one brother, Juan Maez. Since birth he has lived in Northern New Mexico, living his cultural heritage.

By the age of twelve he began carving along side his mentor, the renowned Spanish Colonel Furniture maker and Carver, Tim Roybal, of Medenalez, New Mexico. He worked by his side at Ghost Ranch Conference Center every summer, until Tim's death in 1997.

At the age of 14, Joseph won Honorable Mention at the famous Spanish Market,in Santa Fe, for his entry, Trigo Azule. It was a large blue cross with grains of wheat carved through out it. He calls his crosses Guardian Crosses.

Joseph has also carved an alter for Saint Francis Catholic Church in Lumberton, New Mexico. His work is displayed in many shops in Albuquerque and also at the Inn at the Delta in Espanola, New Mexico. He has participated in the Abiquiu Studio Tour for four years. He also sells at Ghost Ranch Mercado at the Ghost Ranch Conference center.

At the age of 15 Joseph and his brother began their own business called Story Book Tours. He was the capitan of the family owned pontoon, and spoke and demonstrated on the multi cultural, multi-sensory tour on Abiquiu lake.

During Joseph's Junior year in High School, He decided to join the United States Army Reserves, both his grandparents and his father had served in the military. He always had dreamed of serving his country and this commitment would also help pay for his college education.

Joseph graduated from High School in 2000. He began his studies at New Mexico State University, in Las Cruces. He transfered to the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque, during his sophomore year. He is currently majoring in Business and Entrepreneurial Studies. He plans to work in Northern New Mexico. At a very young age he began his career in business. He hopes to help others achieve financial success in an economically deprived area.

Joseph was activated for military service on February 6, 2003. He withdrew from college to serve our country in the Iraq Conflict. He will complete his final semester upon return home and pursue his masters degree.

On February 12, 2003, before deployment, he married his one and only true love of six years, Roseanna Roybal, the daughter of his carving mentor.

Joseph has a strong commitment to family, community, education, and traditions.