Garis artisans from Comlurb transform tree trunks into art

Comlurb's work goes far beyond the brooms that sweep streets and squares, and the trucks that collect garbage bags from door to door. Among the countless other activities and functions performed by the Company, one of them has caught the attention of those who frequent the city's leisure areas. Few people know that the tables, armchairs, benches, stools and planters scattered around these places, and made of wood, come from the Company's Log Workshop, which has eight artisan street cleaners who give new life to pieces of wood that would otherwise be destined for the Waste Treatment Center (CTR-RIo) in Seropédica, transforming trunks removed from fallen trees and general pruning into art. These heroes have no shortage of inspiration when it comes to sculpting unique pieces. This group is part of Comlurb's team that revitalizes and maintains squares.

The trunks come from trees that are part of the city's urbanization, mainly almond, oitis and manguba trees; in addition to the rarer ipês. After the most varied types of cuts and slashes in the wood, with the skill and patience of the artisan street cleaners, the pieces emerge naturally, always with special care, that of protecting them with termite treatment. In addition to the sustainability factor, the work in the factory guarantees savings in the purchase of material for making street furniture and toys for the squares. The work, in rustic style, always wins applause from those who know it.

In addition to traditional tools and equipment, such as sandpaper, varnish, chisels, routers, grinders, jigsaws and chainsaws, Comlurb also has a saw, a new piece of machinery whose basic function is to slice tree trunks. Previously, seats and backrests were manually removed from tree trunks using a chainsaw. Now, in addition to this technique, this new piece of equipment is also used, capable of making thinner cuts of wood in the shape of planks. There is no room for waste at the Jardim Bangu factory. Even wood that apparently has no immediate use is stacked and stored, and at some point it may be useful, for example, to help finish a unique piece.

 

 

The group working at the tree trunk workshop includes the talents of Gilberto Basílio, 39, Renan de Freitas, 30, Marcos Souza, 38, Rogério Camilo, 30, Jonas Silva, 38, Jeferson Gouveia, 39, and Felipe Matias, 34. They share the role of Urban Furniture Conservation and Reuse Manager with Eduardo João, 42, the oldest artisan at the factory, which started in a warehouse in Vargem Grande and has been based in Jardim Bangu for about four years. Alongside Marcos Souza, the dean of artisans uses his experience in the artistic side, with unique touches:

– I’ve made animals, such as horses and hippos, among others, a little wooden train, and I made a flat hand that is on display at the Comlurb Art Gallery. I’m very grateful to Comlurb for what I have today. This work values ​​sustainability, is of great importance to the city and has changed my life – says Eduardo João, a self-taught artist who, when he has a special request, makes or seeks a solution to ensure that the order is not left undelivered. The city’s squares and leisure areas are grateful to these artists who transform trash into luxury.

 

Category:

• Comlurb
• News

7 July 2021

Appointments: art trucks Comlurb street cleaners artisan street cleaners Offices City Hall of Rio tree trunks