Tree Trunks Became Sculptures

Photo feature by Elio Delgado

Artist at work. Photo: Elio Delgado
Artist at work. Photo: Elio Delgado

HAVANA TIMES, Nov. 27 – A large tree fell on the night of October 11, 2006 along Feline Figueredo Avenue, located in the capital of Cuba’s eastern Granma Province.

A decision was therefore made to cut down the rest of the broadleaf trees on this block and substitute them with palm trees, which are plants more suited to the environment.  With that decision began what’s today known as the “Block of Excellence.”

It was decided to transform the tree trunks into sculptures, work that was commissioned to sculptor Roberto Fabre Isaac, who determined what to make from each trunk.

Work by sculptor Roberto Fabre Isaac.  Photo: Elio Delgado
Work by sculptor Roberto Fabre Isaac. Photo: Elio Delgado

The sculptor was born May 9, 1976 in the town of Minas del Frio, located in the center of the Sierra Maestra Mountains.  This self-taught artist has tremendous ability, and he’s not only enthusiastic but also extremely creative.

He chose to craft sculptures of various animals from the area and to recreate others that are not.

To this work was added the efforts of other artists, who enriched the presence of the creatures by painting murals on the surrounding buildings.

Thanks to this young sculptor’s hands, the residents of this area can enjoy a main street that is ecologically sound and artistically appealing at the same time.