The film starts out in Brazil where a fixed camera scopes Rosalvo Santanna as he sculpts a sacred female figure in clay. We see him patiently work on her dress, molds her headpiece and mead perfect hands and fingers for his female work of art. Nearby woodworker Evidal Rosas discusses his project to replace two massive statutes for a local church. He studied the remaining statues, then began to chisel a large slab of wood completely engrossed in the work as if he was being guided by a force from somewhere else.
Glassie and his partner wife Pravina Shulka also set up for an extended period in Ireland coming to learn that the art here was not sculptures or paintings but instead storytelling and song. Their journey also lands in the U.S. specifically North Carolina where the viewer gets a glimpse into Daniel and Kate Johnsons' pottery workshop.
The film is shot as Henry and Pravina observe the craftspeople. The viewer is a spectator at the side of the frame as the artist create their pieces. Henry's goal with fieldwork is to bring different voices and faces into the public forum and on to the historical record 82-year-old Edival Rosas being a prime example.
All of the participants have known the titular couple for at least 12 years. They all were subjects in his recent book evidence that the folklorist respect and honour their subjects. The pairs' local knowledge and insight coupled with Collins' understanding of the project, framing, and patience with creators results in a unique cinematic experience. It's a study of artists toiling at their craft that is a pleasurable watch for anyone that enjoys viewing someone living and breathing a labour of love.
***1/2 Out of 4.
Henry Glassie: Field Work | Pat Collins | Ireland| 2019 | 105 Minutes.
Tags: Documentary, Folklore, Brazil, Bahia, Clay, Sculpting, Pottery, Metal Work, Ireland, Song, Piedmont N.C. , Turkey.
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