From Stage to Workshop: The Art of Giving New Life to Wood from Cabrero

In Cabrero, Biobío Region, Roberto Bravo has turned wood into his deepest means of expression. A self-taught musician and artisan, he found in discarded pieces a way to unite art, history, and nature. A participant in the Emprendamos program of FOSIS Biobío, he has managed to project his craft by combining creativity and sustainability.

"Every piece of wood has energy. Transforming what was destined for the fire into something useful or decorative is my motivation," he comments. In his works—ranging from boards and countertops to carvings that evoke Chilean rural life—he leaves the knife marks visible, a symbol of the passage of his hands and history. Many of his pieces have reached countries like the USA, Australia, and Japan.

During the pandemic, he resumed carving, balancing his passion with music thanks to the use of cut-resistant gloves. "Everything is creativity. Carving and playing are expressions that feed each other," he states. For him, recycling is more than a technique: it is a philosophy. "Respecting trees and reforesting is culture. We must instill that value in new generations," he maintains.

The support from FOSIS restored his confidence in the State and allowed him to strengthen his venture. "More than the financing, I value the human support. It has given me new energy," he says. At over 50 years old, he dreams of exhibiting his work and following the example of Zerreitug, his reference in carving and history. "My best work hasn't started yet," he affirms with conviction.

From FOSIS Biobío, its director Richard Carrillo Oporto highlighted that recycled wood represents an opportunity for sustainability and cultural value. And from Acoforag, the work of Roberto Bravo is recognized, demonstrating that sustainability is also carved with hands and soul.

The article in theRevista Contratistas Forestales (Forestry Contractors Magazine)