Know more about Miguel Alonso, master artisan at FRESS

Miguel Alonso is a carver and one of the master artisans who are currently part of the Portuguese organization the Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Foundation (also known as FRESS). This institution has had the goal of preserving and promoting the know-how of many traditional Portuguese decorative arts.

As a matter of fact, this Foundation was present at the Luxury Design & Craftsmanship Summit 2019 (which took place in Oporto, Portugal) having had a relevant take on the panel ‘Present and Future of Craftsmanship’. In this interview by CovetED that we bring you today, FOOGO blog invites you to discover Miguel Alonso’s incredible art of carving.

Know more about Miguel Alonso, master artisan at FRESS
Photo credits: FRESS

How do you describe your art?

MA: That’s a tough question. It’s a very complex art, very thorough. Starting isn’t hard, but the evolution is complicated. It’s an art that, as my master says, ‘a good carver is made through seven years of work’. So, it’s many years of work and there have to be challenges and an ongoing change in your style of work. Having innovation and different styles in order to be able to evolve and grow.

Know more about Miguel Alonso, master artisan at FRESS
Photo credits: FRESS

For how long have you been working with the Foundation?

MA: Almost eight years. It has been good, I’ve learned a lot. A great part of my professional life and my growth has all been done in the Foundation. So, I’m very grateful for working with the Foundation.

As an artisan, do you feel protected by working at FRESS?

MA: The Foundation is an institution. Currently, I’m part of the staff, that’s a big asset because, no matter what, I’m there, I have my job. And the good thing is I always have work to do. I’m always doing what I love and I’m always working on my field of expertise.

Know more about Miguel Alonso, master artisan at FRESS
Photo credits: FRESS

What types of projects have you developed with the Foundation so far?

MA: A lot. Mostly replicas, restoration, and now these projects with the new designers.

The new initiatives help raise awareness towards the work of artisans. Do you feel that visibility is something important for your work?

MA: Of course, it’s really important. Not only because it gives value to our work, but also because it’s promoted. Has I said earlier, I think that these types of crafts began to be forgotten. And this new introduction of design in traditional craftsmanship is very important to us, to our personal promotion as well as our promotion as artists.

Know more about Miguel Alonso, master artisan at FRESS

Do you believe that the arts are marginalized?

MA: In a way, yes. People are still not very receptive to this type of work. That’s why I talked so much about promotion, because I was lucky enough to be a part of Homo Faber in Venice, and the people’s reaction is completely different from the reaction of the people in Portugal.

Know more about Miguel Alonso, master artisan at FRESS

Do you believe that the Portuguese mentality will ever change?

MA: I believe so, as a matter of fact, it’s already changing. This event is proof of that.

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Did you like our post about the exclusive interview that Miguel Alonso, a master artisan at FRESS, gave to CovetED? What do you think about his perspective regarding the importance of traditional arts and crafts? Let us know in the comments!

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