I was in Lisbon. On the waterfront street, I came across this man who was doing Rock Balancing with randomly collected stones. Curiosity led me to talk to him and make friends.
Lisbon: The True Artists Are Not Only in Museums
Sometimes, more and more frequently, I find myself stopping in front of the so-called 'street artists' to witness their talent. Sometimes, I am captivated; other times, less so. But this doesn't negate the fact that there is talent within each of us that can be showcased. For once in my life, I wanted to get to know someone whom I consider a true artist. I wandered through the streets of Lisbon until I reached Praça do Comércio, where the Rua Augusta Arch stands, a focal point of the city. While waiting for the tourist information point to open (forget it opening before 9:30), to inquire about the Lisbon Card, I looked around to see if there was anything to explore in the meantime.
I decided to walk towards the waterfront and, as I glanced around, I noticed a person. Not just any person. This gentleman was 'playing' with stones. Intrigued, I approached and observed more closely what he was doing. A man in his fifties, with a white beard and a hat like Sampei's. Simple and sporty attire. I decided to stay there for a few minutes, and I quickly understood that he was a rock balancing artist.
I had never seen anything like it before. The customary photos began, and amidst the snapshots, I decided to meet him to appreciate his work. Unfortunately, his Portuguese and my English and Italian led to only a few ritual phrases. But sometimes, gestures speak louder than a thousand words. I remained there, fascinated and amazed by his ability to balance the stones. The precision of his movements, the simplicity of his touch, and the determination he displayed. Otherworldly things. Never in my life would I have imagined seeing an artist of this kind in the main square of the city.
One day, a great Italian actor told me: 'Remember that true artists are everywhere, among us. But many still don't realize it.' It's true, I think all of this encapsulates the essence of humanity—art is sacred. In whatever form and dimension. An appeal to all those who know his name: if you have any information about him, I would like to contact him to learn his story. Art must be shared with the whole world.