Sculptures of Uruguayan folklore
- Carlos has had his workshop since 1983
- The first pieces he made were toys for children
- His specialties are design, carving and careful finishing
Carlos Clavelli considers himself a self-taught artist, although he assures that many anonymous masters have passed through his life. Both personal experience and curiosity have given him a lot, and since he was a child, he has always been interested in building. A trip through South America allowed him to learn about the popular arts of Latin America: their aesthetic, cultural and symbolic values. "I always liked to design, create and build. Working independently and developing my own ideas", says Carlos, who began making toys for his newborn daughter in 1981. "After a few successful experiences at shows and fairs, I thought it was possible to transform this craft into a profession". Today he masters abrasive carving and wood assemblies. His work is closely linked to the Uruguayan territory. "For example, in the series Paisajes Rurales, I represent the animals of our region and I integrate into the pieces the same materials that are produced in these regions (wool and leather)".
Interview
- What elements do you think are present in your work?
- Identity is always present, culture in its different forms of expression, a story, a game, the work of artists, the everyday, the native fauna, and everything that surrounds us.
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- In the process of creation, the most satisfying thing is to be pleased with the final result. I am also very enthusiastic about the transmission of knowledge at a conceptual level on how to approach craft practice.
- What would you tell a young artisan who wants to follow this path?
- I would tell them to try to create their own language: being a good artisan takes a few years and requires sustained work and experimentation. You have to become a professional. Mastering a technique does not guarantee success. You need to go further and dedicate time to design and creation.
- Do you think your profession is in danger in this new millennium?
- No, not at all. My experience is not focused on a traditional craft that repeats patterns, and I think that is the key for future artisans. The core is to create, and that is inexhaustible, as we can see over the course of the history of mankind.
Carlos Clavelli is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1983
Where
Carlos Clavelli
