José Miguel García Mendoza is the son of master artisan José García Antonio. He began his craft as a child, mimicking his father's work by creating small mermaids while his father sculpted large-scale versions. Today, he is an award-winning artist in his own right, having earned first prize in the Friends of Oaxacan Folk Art (FOFA) young artists' competition in 2016, as well as multiple honors in 2008 and 2011. His work continues the family tradition of using local red clay and wood-firing techniques, but he has developed a unique style that blends traditional Zapotec culture with historical and modern themes.