Forces of Nature #17

The Ponta Delgada – Azores 2027 bid for European Capital of Culture has launched the “Forces of Nature” photographic series, by the photographer Paulo Goulart. The aim is to show that our nature is human, by showing people that build the culture of this place.

His name is João Ferreira Viveiros, but he is widely known as João da Moagem. He is 84 years old and has been working in the mill, grinding corn and wheat since he was 11. He left school after the 4th grade to start working with his father. At that time, he would mix work and play, but he always loved working with the tools and handling the corn, the wheat and the flour. That work has allowed him to raise three children and buy a house. Now, he has four grandchildren. He has always worked alongside nature, protecting his crops and preserving the traditional milling craft.