[By Eduardo Bajzek in São Paulo] I made this drawing of Mr. Mavi, the shoemaker, and his workshop at Paula Ferreira Avenue in São Paulo. I went there to get the zipper of one of my jackets fixed. He fixed it for me and didn’t even want to charge me. I couldn’t help but notice how messy the workshop was. But what a great scene! I asked if I could come by to draw it some other time. I don’t know if he understood, but he nodded his head.When I showed up days later, I explained what I planned to do and he quickly offered me a chair. He was very willing to help, but I said I would stand up and not to worry! I spent from ten in the morning to one in the afternoon, then took a break to have lunch nearby. Then I came back and stayed for another two hours. In all, five hours of drawing, a new record. I didn’t even get tired. I think my fitness exercises must be helping!
Mr. Mavi, who is in his mid 60s, also offered coffee and guarana and we chatted a bit about everything, from soccer to spirituality. He’s Evangelical. He took a break to pray, taking a Bible that was on the counter – you can see in the drawing to the left. I don’t know if he kneeled or sat on the floor because he disappeared behind the counter for a moment.
He is originally from Caruaru in the state of Pernambuco. He has three children and is separated. He said he will return to his hometown to stay with his children, who live there. He's been working in this workshop for the last 18 years, but has spent many more in São Paulo, working as a shoemaker since he was young.
We said goodbye, and I promised to bring him a copy of the drawing so he can keep it as a memento of the workshop.
Eduardo Bajzek is an illustrator, art educator and urban sketcher based in São Paulo. You can follow him on Instagram at www.instagram.com/bajzek
