Meet GONZALO DELACRUZ

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to GONZALO DELACRUZ. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

GONZALO, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my purpose from trial and errors as most do, As a recovering alcoholic i knew i had to do more than i was doing, i had minor woodworking while in JR High, so as i came to the end or the fast life i found woodturning which appealed my drive to be able to be artistic in a different form outside of tattooing, i found a new life of interest and took it and continue to do so in a different level of freedom,

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My drive in woodturning is creating vases ,decorative vases, hollowforms, bowls platter etc….those have been my most valued pieces for customers,
as of this October 2025 i will be closing doors to my shop and relocate,
Woodturning and Art will be residing in the city of Sparks, Nevada as of the first of November 2025, i will be active there by the time anyone reads this,
i had to make room for growth and find more stability, financially and more, i got hired as an off campus woodturning instructor at TMCC (Truckee Meadows Community College) in Reno Nevada.
recently my business was rated top #1 woodworking shop in the city of San Bernardino ,California.
that came to me as a surprise, very proud of that accomplishment.
i will also hold advanced woodturning courses in the new location.
look us up!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

i found myself making errors along the way. for being mostly self taught, i knew there was alot missing, i seeked help at one point and took a course, one on one with mentors which helped me advance and get out of the regular rabbit hole,
this goes with anything, dont be afraid to seek help, there is always something or someone with the knowledge you need or seek, plus more.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

i recently started to read “Elsworth on Woodturning” David Elsworth, he carved a large path that came with great knowledge on woodturning skills and tools approach, which many others have provided, mainly on techniques, how to create hollow vessels and what not, this book might not be for everyones approach of skill learning, but it is very knowledgeable, selecting out your wood, thin walled designs, i can go on in detail of where im at in the book so far, give it a read, its knowledge for everyone, it might help you appreciate any wooden items in your daily life or home

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mrlatheznknivez.site
• Instagram: @mrlatheznknivez
• Facebook: Woodturning and Art LLC
• Youtube: mrlatheznknivez
• Other: tik tok: mrlatheznknivez

Image Credits

credits go to the Inland Woodturning Club, Mike Jackofsky, Mother and family, Summer M. and many others for the support in my journey regardelss if they are around, Much Love