Forces of Nature #6

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.

Master Pedro Simão has been building ships for 22 years. He learned it from his godfather, Mr. Gabriel Costa, whose shipyard is right next to his. Gabriel is his reference.

Pedro proudly speaks of his largest and most sophisticated construction, and perhaps the second largest in Rabo de Peixe, which is called Ilha de São Miguel.

He loves the sea, but feels really bad when he goes to the water. It takes him two minutes on a new boat to get seasick and, although he loves to relax by the sea, he doesn't dare go into the sea because he doesn't know how to swim.

He is passionate about what he does and it saddens him to know that it is an art that has its days numbered. The actual situation is difficult for fishermen and shipbuilders. However, on his birthday he taught 42 children how to build a ship from the beginning process to the end.