Ginen Guåhan is a Chamorro (Chamorro is the name and language of the aboriginal peoples of the Marianas Archipelago, western Pacific Ocean) word meaning "From Guam". It describes me and what I do verbatim. I'm from Guam, and I enjoy doing the things from Guam. I love weaving, carving, and all the other things that my island has to offer. I chose this phrase to represent who I am, what I do, and hopefully one day open up a business on Guam with this name.

I'm a twenty-six year old traditional and contempoary Chamorro artisan from the island of Guåhan (Guam), Marianas archipelago, living in the United States of America. My main trade is traditional weaving, weaving since I was sixteen years old. I've been taught by my uncle Pedro, my auntie Wåwe' and a few others who were generous enough to bestow upon me that which has been passed down from our elders for the past three thousand years and before. I am mainly self taught, using the skills my aunt and uncle generously granted me to take apart other woven goods mentally and reproduce them through my hands. When materials become scarce I delve into other trades, always trying to improve my skills in necklace making and carving. I carve many materials, to include wood, seashell, bone, and horn. I also make minature models of traditional Chamorro artifacts.

Guinahan Chamorro An art gallery nestled in the heart of Guam in mångge' town.. Mangilao village. Located off of Veteran's Memorial Hwy (old Route 16) right across the street from Dominoes Pizza and Winchills donuts. The main gallery I subscribe to, this store is run by Jill Benavente, skilled weaver and carver. Jill Benavente has been one of the integral facets in my growing as an artist since I first came into the "scene" in 1999. I've been weaving since 1996, but didn't think to show myself and my work till three years later at the 1999 Micronesian Islander Fair on Guam.. Since then, she's helped me grow as an artist, given me much knowledge and insight into our culture and helps me to better understand how to engage my art. The store is run on Island time, if you see a vehicle parked on the side of the building, they're open! Enjoy, and tell them, James Bamba sentcha!

Let it Bead A wonderful gallery of beaded jewelry and the likes. Run by the most wonderful, and compassionate Kris Avina-Roscoe. Her sanctuary for fellow jewelry makers is located on historic Cannery Row, Monterey, California. Up on the second floor, right above Sly McFly's resturant, she caters to the kindred spirits of the bead, or so I like to say... Her website is www.letitbead.com and although I believe she said she's not accepting orders through it (major overhaul of the site) I highly recommend visiting it, and if you're ever in the area, visiting her wonderful treasure trove of jewelry. If you're ever there, tell Kris that I sentcha! She'll be happy that you came.

Che'lu store located in the Chamorro village, this store features many original items and concepts. Quote from their webpage...

The business, Che'lu, is the creation of two brothers from the beautiful and friendly island of Guam in the Marianas. It is our hope to inspire and encourage the younger generations of the world to share the unique gift that God has given to each one of us. "

Jose and Liz Rosario have helped me out by allowing me to showcase my art in their store, we've bartered amongst ourselfs (my stuff must be good, no?) and has even been gracious enough to allow me to utilise their Wednesday night market booth space to help sell my wares.. Where would we be without generous peoples like these. If you're ever in Guam, it is a must see to stop by the Chamorro Village to see the wonderful artifacts and goods on display and for sale at Che'lu. Tell them James Bamba sent you.. They'll be glad you stopped by..

Guam Gallery of Art: located at the Chamorro Village, this gallery features many Chamorro and non-Chamorro artists. Overall, in my opinion, the largest selection of local artists creations on island. I however, no longer feature my creations there.