São Paulo – Out of the atelier of artist Maqueson Silva, in the city of Cruzeiro do Sul, in the state of Acre, come marquetry items such as jewellery boxes, picture frames and trays that have already conquered Brazil and the world. France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, China, the United States and the emirate of Dubai are in the list of importers.
Company Marchetaria do Acre was established by Silva 17 years ago, and the first sale to a foreign country took place in 1999, but it was not until three years ago that exports made a leap, and now answer to approximately 40% of revenues. The contact with Dubai was made during a trade mission to India and the United Arab Emirates, organised by the Brazilian Foreign Office (Itamaraty), last year.
"I really liked Dubai. It is a market that stands in a whole other level in terms of demands and sophistication. They have gone past the luxury, they want ostentatious pieces," says Silva. According to the artisan, there are many possibilities for doing business with the emirate. "We have shipped items such as eight-sided boxes and bonbon cases featuring geometric motifs. The repercussion was great," he claims.
The artist uses industrial wood scraps as raw material and draws inspiration from themes pertaining to the Amazon, such as the flora and the fauna, in order to create approximately 300 new pieces per month. Businessmen, ambassadors and institutions in different sectors integrate the client portfolio of Marchetaria do Acre, which also has a store in the Airport of Rio Branco (the capital of Acre) and trade representatives across all of Brazil.
From father to son
Maqueson Silva was born in the village of Flora, which can only be reached by boat or airplane. It was there that the artist got started in woodworking, encouraged by his father, who taught him to identify the various textures of wood, roots and branches.
Several years later, his interest in art led him to spend two seasons in Germany and Italy, countries in which he studied with great masters of marquetry. Now, he lives in the city of Cruzeiro do Sul, 700 kilometres away from the capital Rio Branco, where his atelier is located.
The shortage of specialised labour force in the region led the artist to create a school in order to teach free marquetry lessons. According to him, more than displaying his technique, he discusses ethics and philosophy with the students. In addition to the school, Silva plans on developing projects for reforestation and a more rational use of wood.
Acknowledgement
Last year, Marchetaria do Acre was granted the Top 100 Handicraft Award, promoted by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae), which contemplated the segment’s 100 most competitive enterprises.
Contact
Telephone: (+55 68) 3322.8119
E-mail:atendimento@maquesonmarchetaria.com
Site: www.maquesonmarchetaria.com
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
