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Ronaldo Nascimento used to own a shop of electrical equipment in São João del-Rei. In his spare time, in order to pass the time, he used to play with bits of wood not knowing the activity would change his life. “I know most artists start early, following in the footsteps of their family, but I started late, and by chance. I began making images of saints. Here in Minas, religion is very strong, and I think São João del-Rei is even more devout. I looked at images in churches and books, and that made my artistic side bloom. I never studied with anyone, it’s something that was inside me.” Born in 1968, he went through a fast transformation. In December 1999 Ronaldo started to dedicate himself to woodcarving, and the shop was left behind. In 2003 he started to get recognition for his work, receiving orders from collectors and local churches. “Today I feel like an achiever. I live off sculpture, working only with orders, and always researching new techniques, tools and materials. Often after trials, mistakes and corrections I get the desired result.” |
