Ciro Fernandes

Block printer

The soul of Brazil in woodcut works

Ciro’s work reflects Brazil’s folklore, traditions and daily life
He works with creatives to craft visual narratives of stories and music
His career spans over six decades

From a young age, Ciro Fernandes was encouraged by his mother to paint over wall stains, an experience that laid the foundation for his creative journey. In 1975, he turned to woodcutting, assisting poets of cordel literature—a Brazilian poetry and storytelling tradition—who could not afford covers for their booklets. “I soon fell in love with wood because it had a wonderful natural smell, and the craft emerged almost magically through cuts in different styles,” he recalls. Ciro transformed woodcutting into a narrative art form, portraying Brazilian traditions, stories, and daily life with authenticity. “I feel privileged to be a cultural messenger,” he says, reflecting on his 50-year career. His ability to bridge popular and contemporary culture earned critical acclaim and collaborations with prominent authors and musicians. In 2009, the Brazilian Academy of Letters awarded him a prize for illustration, cementing his transformative role in Brazilian culture.

Interview

How did your childhood environment shape your work?: Uiraúna, Paraíba has the atmosphere of Brazil’s countryside, where everything is made in a very handcrafted way. This enriches and greatly inspires creativity. Additionally, Uiraúna is a very religious town with a church and a band of musicians, many of whom are my relatives, which inspired me to portray them.
What role do woodcuts play in cordel booklets?: The woodcut artwork on the covers allows for a playful expression of the story. It helps readers immerse themselves in the poem’s literature and imagination. This ties in with the everyday life of the Northeast of Brazil, representing its culture and events, like stories of Lampião (folk hero) or the Pope’s visit to Brazil.
What fuels your creativity and passion?: The direct interaction with people in the studio inspires me! My work reflects them, and the affection I receive in the studio is deeply gratifying.
How do you see woodcutting evolving in the future?: Woodcutting is a centuries-old craft that will endure for generations. The process is magical, harking back to the invention of the printing press. It will never disappear! Techniques are evolving with automation, but the world continues to preserve and value traditional methods.

Ciro Fernandes is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1975