How is what you do linked to where you live and work?
Caldas da Rainhas, the city where I live, has a great tradition of ceramics, while Marinha Grande, the city nearby, has a historic and relevant glassblowing industry. The region of Leira is the greatest pine forest in Portugal, and thus important for woodworking.
Do you master any specific techniques?
I think it requires many years to master something, it takes a lot of repetition and dedication. Working with different materials and techniques gives me some good knowledge, and I see this as a skill.
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How do tradition and innovation feed into your work?
I use traditional hand blown glass techniques, which allows me to combine the knowledge of a master with the exploration and experimentation of a designer who is always enthusiastic to learn.
What inspires your work?
Trees are my main source of inspiration. They represent the cycle of life: their fruits fall, they decay, they leave their seed to create a new tree and a new beginning. My work continues that cycle, since I use matter from falling trees, or gathered from a timber merchant or a sawmill.