The curious wood crafter
- Francisco has taught himself a wide array of wood crafting techniques
- He became known in the Azores for his handmade wooden barrels
- Recently, he has started to create fine wooden jewellery
Born in the Azorean Terceira Island, Francisco Roberto Pereira learnt carpentry at an early age with his uncle and continued to hone his skills alone. His eclectic pieces include barrels, religious sculptures, toys and traditional Azorean adornments. “I feel like a rebel, restless to try out new techniques.” In his workshop, he can use a scroll saw, lathing machine or focus on marquetry. He is one of the few artisans still manually making barrels and has also been prized for his traditional Azorean Espirito Santo festivity crowns. Creating one for his daughter inspired Francisco to develop a wooden filigree jewellery collection. Conscious that his craft is endangered, he organises workshops for young children hoping to pass on his endless curiosity for wood.
Interview
- Do you use a specific process to create your wooden pieces?
- Usually I do a few hand drawings, and sometimes a cardboard cut-out, before I start working the wood. I don’t keep any plans so each piece is unique. Over the years I have mastered different techniques and machines. I even make my own tools if needed for a piece.
- Has your island influenced your work?
- Nature inspires me. I create pieces for traditional festivities and sculpt religious and traditional Azorean objects which helps to keep our heritage alive. The wood I use is also locally grown, mostly recovered from bigger carpentry workshops.
- Could you describe the Espirito Santo festivity pieces you make?
- They are elaborate handmade wooden crowns to adorn the queens who participate in a parade. In 2015, my crown received first prize in a Espirito Santo (Holy Ghost) exhibition. My crowns carry the Azorean government authenticity and quality stamp "Marca Açores".
- Why is working with children so important for you?
- To pass my passion to younger generations and keep my craft alive. One of my first pieces was a traditional spinning toy. The workshops enable children to use a hammer, smell and touch wood. They leave proudly with a wooden toy they made themselves.
Francisco Roberto Pereira is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015 and he started teaching in 2019
Works
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Francisco Roberto Pereira
