I recently had the privilege of visiting Mr. Carlos, a home-based worker, in his cozy atelier located at the ground floor of the same building where he has lived with his wife for the past 25 years. This has been Mr. Carlos’ improvised studio for crafting artisanal pieces from recyclable materials for the past 2 years – before that, his activities were carried inside his apartment.
As we chatted over a cup of coffee, Mr. Carlos opened up about his journey into the world of handicrafts, a journey that began after spending three years in rehab due to alcohol problems. He shared how he first encountered the craft within the rehabilitation center, where workshops taught people to create art from old newspapers and glue. Initially resistant, Mr. Carlos eventually embraced the practice at the encouragement of his doctor, who believed it would be a therapeutic outlet upon his return to regular life.
Now, with a small truck specifically purchased for collecting recyclable materials from the streets, Mr. Carlos brings his finds back to his atelier, where he spends his mornings and afternoons immersed in the creative process. “Making handicrafts saved my life,” he said, reflecting on the transformative power of art in his personal recovery.
Mr. Carlos, who is associated to ATEMDO, the Association of Home-Based Workers from Osasco (which is an affiliate of HNI), currently sells his unique creations at local fairs and through direct requests from friends and clients who have discovered his work through referrals. Eager to expand his reach, he shared he’s about to join an upcoming social media marketing workshop, where he hopes to learn more about platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The idea is to showcase his work to a wider audience and connect with more people who appreciate his handmade pieces.
This visit to Mr. Carlos’ atelier was not just a glance into his creative process but also a great story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of art into someone’s life.
