MY VISION IS TO ENABLE PEOPLE TO MAKE THEIR OWN UTENSILS

In addition to my work, I hope to use this space to offer courses centred on older, traditional metalwork. My aim is to teach techniques that were normal before the big industrial machines, emphasising the importance of self-reliance and the preservation of human craftsmanship. In a world dominated by industrial production, many young people are unaware of how to create everyday objects themselves. For example, making jam at home has become a rarity. Many just go to the supermarket and buy it in jars.

My vision extends to empowering people to make their own utensils, from frying pans to knives. I firmly believe that if these skills are lost, we will become too dependent on technical installations, which I see as an unhealthy development. The next generation, although they know how to programme machines, often lack practical skills. One of the next steps is to improve my knowledge of Portuguese in order to teach the next generation correctly.

Essentially, joining the Co-operative is about following a vision of preserving traditions, fostering self-sufficiency and building a community that values the art of craftsmanship.”

Thanks for the interview Andrej!