The sculptural jewellery works of Brazilian SeiZo Soares are unmistakeably masculine. Muscular and bold, their organic forms are reminiscent of surrealist paintings, incredibly tactile, rich in texture and detail.
SeiZo’s love of wood is at the forefront of each piece, rich grain and colour stating their material existence. But they are more than that too, shaped to encourage exploration with eyes and touch. “I want to raise questions, intrigue the senses, and provide pleasure to those who carry them. I want them to be used as a daily experience for the touch, the vision and the smell; as a protection for the mind. More than being an ornament, these sculptures feed and give courage.”
seizo soares- arvore – brooch
seizo soares- necklace
He told me of time as a child spent with his grandfather picking up blocks in wood workshops, and shared with me that “The smell of the wood is a remarkable memory key.” Despite this indelible connection, he only came to woodworking much later in life. Having a career as a writer, teacher and communication consultant for business and organizations, it was when he became involved in a public carpentry space in 2007 that he started making small sculptures.
seizo soares – helio ring1
seizo soares – helio ring2
seizo soares – ring collection
His current workshop space is small and simple, filled with the smell of wood. With just a few tools, it’s a space with light and windows where he can hear and see birds, enjoy the garden and listen to his neighbourhood. “It’s a place to play, to remember, and to write my own history.”
seizo soares – workshop
His best piece of advice is “Don’t be afraid.”
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You can find more of SeiZo’s work on his website, www.seizojoias.com.br, as well as poetry (in Portuguese!) and photography, or on his Facebook page, SeiZoJoias.
Thank you so much! I think I´ve learned something about myself while reading it!
SeiZo
Nice!! Thank you so much for being a part of the blog 🙂 Cheers, Julie