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Adelino Ramos de Oliveira Jr. was born in Itapetininga, in the Embu area, in 1944. “I was born in the countryside. I used to work the land and liked to sculpt the handle of the hoe. Back then people used to carry catapults, and the handle of mine was all carved. I really enjoyed it.” Life went by and Adelino ended up in São Paulo (SP). He learned how to weave carpets, but he never stopped woodcarving. “I tried to work for two different companies, but it didn’t work out. I need to be free, outdoors. In Osasco (SP) I met a salesman. I made a sculpture; he liked it and bought it. He really encouraged me, and bought many pieces. I found out about the craft art fair in the Republica Square and worked there for 5 years. Then I moved to Embú, which had a tradition in art with people such as Solano Trindade, Master Gama, Vicente, Assis. I’m still here, but the market is weak, very different from the 1960s and 70s.” Adelino became well known for sculpting a very Brazilian scene, the Pau de Sebo: a pole covered in grease that kids attempt to climb at local fairs. The sculptures he makes with whole tree trunks and roots are impressive, full of details. “But in order to make a living I carve signs, which sell more. It’s fast, and I need to get by.” |
