Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

ATELIER ARACATI – ARTE EM MOEDAS

Accuracy and talent convert coins into small works of art

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This is an uncommon studio, in which Marcelo Dalto for many years a metal worker, develops beautiful artwork from coins. In a short time and watched by passers-by from the busy street, he is able to convert a coin into a pendant with cut-out details, with the use of an ancient technique with rudimentary yet highly precise equipment.

He specializes in coins, considering the items’ cultural angle with its emblems and symbols. This practice originated with ancient metal workers in the Americas, who found few raw materials and used any available metal, such as silverware and coins. The studio is eight years old and requires much dedication by this Uruguayan craftsman and his Argentinean partner Fernanda Strino.

In the studio, there is a collection of a number of coins from several origins, as well as the outcome of the artists’ talent, with designs that were cut out from each coin, converted into attractive pendants and key chains. Fernanda and Marcelo also create cut-out designs in old silverware, molding them into bracelets in an earnest and unlimited exercise of creativity. Many customers send and receive their coins back through the mail service, but it is recommended to send a photo previously, to have the original item’s potential assessed and to visualize the best solution.

In addition to coins, this couple also designs items with symbols, coats-of-arms, shields, logos and bio-jewels made with seeds, reflecting their versatility and expertise in deploying their creations.
The unusual studio has its walls covered with posters and graphic materials on cultural events in Paraty, making it clear that both artists feel entirely at home in the town and amidst its artistic environment.

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