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Ovanir Geraldo de Freitas is very respected as a bricklayer, and works for the local council of Mariana. But if you want to find him, you’d better ask for Biscoito (biscuit), because that’s how he has been known since he was a child. But Biscoito has other talents and skills. Son-in-law of Artur Pereira, whenever he had a spare moment he used to visit his father-in-law to help him sand and finish his sculptures. “I was always there, with Mr. Artur. Whenever I had a free Saturday I would be there. After a while he asked me to draw something and cut it. He said that when he departed this world, someone had to take his place.” The teacher was one of the best, and the student was just as good. Today, Biscoito is arguably the main heir of Artur Pereira. “He taught me everything I know. For the moment I still need my day job, but soon I’m going to retire, and then I’ll be able to dedicate myself to sculpting full time, and show all that Mr. Artur has taught me. He taught me that we must always fell trees in the winter, and that you must respect the movement of the roots and of the trunk. Other than that you can create as you wish.” |
