Sérgio Monteiro de Castro

Woodcarver

©Rafael Dias

Geometry, woodcarving and the art of fulfillment

Sérgio left banking to pursue woodcarving full-time
His process is slow and intentional, guided by the rhythmic gestures of making geometric designs
In his teaching of woodcarving, he conveys ideas of patience, perseverance and respect for nature

For over two decades, Sérgio Monteiro de Castro followed a career in banking, before turning to craftsmanship in 1996. "I longed for the soul-filling satisfaction that I had known at the age of 11 when I had attended a carpentry workshop," he explains. He remembers that working with wood had given him a deep sense of harmony. Guided by this, Sérgio left banking in his early forties to become a full-time woodcarver, specialising in geometric designs. He refined his craft under the guidance of two key masters, and over years of experimentation developed his own style, grounded in tradition and Islamic art. Sérgio now shares his knowledge through workshops, teaching that woodcarving is more than a craft, and rather a creative release. “Feeling the wood with my hands and tools, slowly, without rush, and seeing what I want to express come to life is like lifting a veil," he says. "Working with wood restores presence in the moment and helps combat the immediacy of modern life."

Interview

©Rafael Dias

©Rafael Dias

Who are the mentors behind your craft?: I owe a lot to two key mentors who shaped my craft. Professor Sudário Leal taught me to respect wood, sketch designs, and handle tools correctly. Later, Sebastião Souza, a Sufi master and expert in geometric carving, introduced me to Islamic art and deepened my fascination for geometry, which has guided my work ever since.
What is your philosophy on teaching?: Beyond teaching woodwork, I also aim to share certain concepts that can improve coexistence and contribute to a better world. With young people, I try to demonstrate respect for nature, the power of observation to enhance creativity, and the importance of persistence in the pursuit of continuous improvement. In a fast-paced world, carpentry encourages a more human pace.
What is being a woodcarver like for you?: Being an artistic craftsman means having no fixed hours! It is so different from other professions. It is constant observation, a journey of savouring landscapes, scents, the beauty of nature, the nuances of colours. I would describe it as a journey without the rush to arrive.
Have you ever had a deeply moving moment while creating?: Many! I once felt something so simple yet so intense. I felt such peace that if I had closed my eyes and stopped breathing in that moment, I would have been ready to depart.

Sérgio Monteiro de Castro is a master artisan: he began his career in 1996 and he started teaching in 2012