Photo: Courtesy of the author
Blessed hands, Master!, was the first sentence of praise to appreciate the work of a true artist. Authenticity, fine art, exquisite selection of parts and lots of love shared in the prodigious work exhibited, are credentials of this artist craft in San Antonio de los Baños.
Marcelo Orestes Perera, born in the land of Eduardo Abela and René de la Nuez, on January 16th, 1954 and is self-taught. Talking to him is easy, because his dialogue is transparent, intelligent and entertaining. Sitting in the living room, and then savor the rich Cuban coffee, I took photos and started to walk his artistic universe, which emanates from an immense light that comes from the cradle and guides its perfect combination of talent his mind and hands.
When you start as an artisan?
For about three or four years. I started by own inspiration as a hobby and the first work was a horse on tiptoe and thread, which I keep in memory, because the horse always rides with me every award, event or conference.
Do you have a family tradition in the craft?
None. Now I repeat, I am self-taught, everything I do is a product of the imagination and talent.
In your opinion, what are the main conditions to be met by a good craftsman?
First the love you put into what you do and have talent, then to be consistent, curious, possess manual skills, be patient, persistent and very creative. The rest is achieved over time.
Events where exhibited your work?
All the International Fairs Craft (FIART) done in Cuba, with spaces where I expose my private parts, the three Biennials Skin that has been made in the country and invitational shows in Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife , Mexico and Venezuela.
I guess that has an extensive range of awards and recognitions.
So, you are not wrong. But best of all is the recognition of my people when I walk the streets and people say: "look at that there is far Orestes, the craftsman." I am a person who does not like to talk about what I hold, but as it is an interview, I will list some of the awards. I have the "Hands Award", awarded by the Cuban Association of Craft Artists (ACAA), received in 2007, the distinction "Ruben Martinez Villena" awarded by the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), an Accreditation Plaque granted in 1993 by my visit to Venezuela to give workshops and lectures on craftsmanship, Popularity Award last year awarded to the best work entitled "The Dragon" in Mexico Fair and the Second Biennial Prize Leather held in Havana.
Why is created ACAA in the province?
Simply by the need to bring together artists artisans of one way or another have a work of recognized cultural and exhibition value.
Are you the president?
Yes, since its inception, it once belonged to the National Executive Committee, I consider it a great privilege and also a great responsibility, because I have a mission to guide the destinies of many professional artists from the province and ensure that their work is recognized in Cuba and abroad, but I do it with love and respect, because I am an artist and I will never be a leader.
How does the health of the artisans in the province?
Very good, I would say excellent. The province artisans whatever with national prestige as in the case of Yosvany Perez Robledo from Alquízar, Javier Trutié Parra from Bauta and the ariguanabenses Orestes Perera Jr, Israel Rodriguez and Armando Acosta with his daughter Maday.
What is the radio for you?
A media outlet which greatly respect and with whom I have the best relations. Thanks to the Radio Festival at all levels, my work has been exhibited and is also of encouragement to the filmmakers and the country's leading broadcasters.
In the corner of the house, there is a park that was the result of yuor talent. Tell me about it.
Smile and think before speak. Yes, that was an idea that occurred to me at one time and carried to a successful conclusion with the help of other artists, some residents of the neighborhood and my family. It took a lot of effort and sacrifice, but it did and that's the best reward. Now'll quickly go through that corner and sit in the little park.Once was a landfill and is now a social work.
It identifies a fish, why?
Single. Because as the song by Silvio Rodriguez, "I'm from where is a river" and what better than a trout stamp identity as a symbol of my Ariguanabo.
You mentioned Silvio Rodriguez, we know it was one of those who supported in the endeavor of that park.
Yes, Silvio is a great friend and a great lover of his people. As soon as I heard of the idea said: "Orestes, I will be with you in this beautiful project" and the day opened on January 28th, 2007, visited us and said something heartfelt that I keep with much zeal and love .
Returning to your work in the workshop, what are the techniques that work?
Several, embossing on leather, engraved and embossed copper, utility decorative works, tapestries and masks, utilitarian leather goods such as handbags, belts, wallets and leather combinations and copper.
What is for you San Antonio de los Baños?
Everything!. Here was born and raised. I love my people and my own life and I suffer with every injury suffered by the city of laughter in its buildings and streets. San Antonio de los Baños is culture, poetry, art and song.
Projections? Immediate work?
FIART introduce in 2012 that will be in December and bring the best of our art to the Villa del Humor.
Are you satisfied with the work done?
Never satisfied, each passing day you create something new and seeks perfection in the lines, cut or decorated the finished work, but I can say I am happy with the result of my work and I repeat, my best prize is popular recognition.
Marcelo Orestes Perera, authentic ariguanabense in his hands a jewel that knows how to put the good of society, so it is loved and respected as a redneck.
