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Known as Miguel Santeiro (Saint Maker), his name reveals everything about him. Born in Conceição da Barra de Minas, in 1958, Miguel Randolfo Ávila says he fell in love with the images of saints he used to see in the church when he was still a child. “Living in São João del-Rei, it was impossible to escape this universe. I was an altar boy and always enjoyed making nativity scenes in clay. It was only in 1973 I started sculpting in wood. I learned by myself, never went to an art class. I think I’m very curious. I’m always observing others, looking at books and magazines.” Miguel quickly became recognized as a sculptor, and today he is very successful and is proud of being able to support his family with his work. “I also learned how to paint the images by myself, and nowadays some people ask me to paint sculptures that aren’t even mine, but I don’t like doing that.” Always busy with orders from all over Brazil and abroad, Miguel is proud of the 2.30 metres high Christ that he made for Brasília’s Cathedral. “It’s a work of mine, made in cedar. It’s on a 5 metre high cross, made in ipe wood.” |
