Master Expedito (Expedito Antônio dos Santos) was born in Domingos Mourão (PI), in the year 1933. He used to live a long way from the sea, but always loved boats. “I’m scared of the ocean. I can’t sail, but I like boats.” One of his most famous pieces is a boat over 3 metres long carrying the apostles. Born into a family of carpenters, Master Expedito always knew he wanted to be a sculptor. His mother who was very religious, would take him to church where he saw figures of saints and wish he could make them. At 10 he started making some pieces. Grown up, he worked as a bricklayer, shoemaker, carpenter and he made musical instruments (his mother was an accordion player). “In the evenings I could dedicate my time to art. Time went by and I got married. We lived in the countryside where I was born. One day I was invited to take part in an exhibition. I made a Saint Anthony that won first prize.” It didn’t take long for him to be invited to go to Teresina. Master Expedito went as a teacher, and stayed. Living off his sculptures, he sent all his children to school and now has started to paint as well. “They are primitive paintings. I used to paint my sculptures but people prefer them natural so I only paint the sculptures that I keep for myself. My biggest pride is knowing that my work is in over 50 churches, not to mention the ones bought by people that like what I do.”