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Luiz Antônio da Silva was born in Alto do Moura, in 1935, and says it has always been a town of potters. “When Vitalino arrived my mother already made clay toys to sell at the market. She painted them in black and white. One Saturday, at the market, Vitalino placed my bench by his and I showed him my pieces. Some French people saw them and bought them all. Vitalino was important because he made Alto do Moura famous abroad, and that was good.
When I got married the children started to arrive, 10 in all, which I’ve raised with my work in clay. I enjoy what I do. I model the things I see here, in magazines and on TV.” His themes make him stand out from other craft artists in Alto do Moura and explain the big demand for his work. Luiz Antônio’s pieces are colourful and full of detail. He is proud to show off the Roof Tile Factory with which he won an award at the 145th anniversary of Caruaru. “My work was judged while still in unfired clay. I thank God for my success with art. My wife Odete helps me painting, firing the pieces and selling them. It makes me sad to think that the clay is coming to an end. The industries are buying all the land, and using all the clay.” |
