Wagner Trindade

Furniture maker

From first lantern to lasting legacy

Wagner’s work fuses tradition with bold authenticity to produce lamps and interior decoration
A masterful combination of materials defines his work
Minas Gerais’ cultural essence fuels his creative vision

Wagner Trindade describes himself as a highly curious craftsman. Through a problem-solving approach, he explores ways to combine brass, glass, wood and stone into furnishing pieces. “Each material contributes its own identity and complements the others,” he says. At the age of 13, Wagner handcrafted his first lantern—a defining moment that asserted his connection to craftsmanship. Today, he continues the traditional Moroccan lamp-making techniques his father learned from a Portuguese artisan in the 1960s and passed down to him. Although deeply rooted in tradition, Wagner's work moves beyond it through a creative process he describes as free and intuitive, devoid of function, form, or material. “Sometimes, I have a sudden flash of inspiration; other times, I dream of a piece.” He adds, “The pursuit of authenticity has made me more confident and free to believe in my ideas.”

Interview

What techniques do you use to craft lanterns?: I use glass cutting with a diamond-tipped pen, tin soldering with a gas torch, and brass cutting, done manually or with a press. The entire process is handcrafted, preserved exactly as it was taught in the 1970s.
What impact do you hope your creations have on people?: I hope they evoke emotions and bring the legacy of Tiradentes into their homes, connecting them to our history and traditions.
What inspires you artistically and culturally?: My home state of Minas Gerais, with its traditions, folklore, and Baroque colonial architecture, deeply inspires me. Tiradentes, in particular, is a constant source of ideas and knowledge, shaping my creative process.
What advice do you have for new artisans?: I would advise them to trust in their abilities, not fear making mistakes, and embrace the journey. Craftsmanship is a long path that requires patience and resilience, but it is deeply rewarding and liberating.

Wagner Trindade is a master artisan: he began his career in 1983 and he started teaching in 2000