Inspiration and decision

In 2008, I visited an exhibition by Uruguayan sculptor Pablo Atchugarry at the Museum of Visual Arts in Montevideo. Watching a documentary about Atchugarry working in Carrara, I said to myself: "I want to be there and make a marble sculpture."

The project

Four years later, in Berlin, I was invited to participate in an international art project in Assisi, Italy, in September 2012. I wanted to work with Carrara Marble, but had no contacts or knowledge on how to obtain it.

The crucial contact

A friend put me in touch with Silvana, Atchugarry's wife. After a month without a response, on my birthday, I received an email from Silvana saying that Pablo had spoken to a company in Carrara and that they would provide me with the marble.

The odyssey to Carrara

Without a driver's license, I had to travel by train from Assisi to Carrara, a distance of 300 km. Without finding a suitcase on wheels, I carried the 33kg marble in a large camping backpack, along with the tools purchased on the spot.

The return to Assisi

The return train was delayed, causing me to miss the connection in Florence. I arrived in Asis around midnight and, not finding transportation or my companions, I had to walk the remaining 5 km, climbing the mountain with the heavy load.

the determination

Despite the fatigue and the weight, I continued forward motivated by the calm of the night and the excitement of fulfilling my dream. Finally, after a strenuous walk, I reached my destination where my companions were waiting for me.

Reflection

The next day, I didn't feel any pain, just a feeling of renewal. This marble, which many would have abandoned, had become part of me, a link beyond the material. Getting it after so much sacrifice connected it deeply to my heart.