Bonzolandia

„Tudo começou com o bondinho…“ says Getúlio. You might not know him in person, but if you have stayed at our pousada or if you have walked down the Rua Alexandrino towards Largo do Guimarães, I am sure you have seen his colorful bondinho and all of his handcrafts on your way. Getúlio, who is originally from Minas Gerais and moved to Rio as a 15-year old, has been at the same spot in Santa Teresa for 26 years creating his artwork from recycled materials only.

His outdoor atelier is filled with a variety of creative, interesting and quirky things – each of them unique. After working in a variety of areas, Getúlio finally settled down and built his bondinho in which he stores his material and creates his handcrafts until today.

“I get all my materials from the street. Anywhere I go, I find something. I take everything I think I could use for one of my next artworks.” Getúlio tries to economize even further by picking up nails wherever he can find them so his only expenses are paint and utensils. “I have always had a passion for art and simple things and the material itself inspire me. “ The inspiration of the tourists in Santa Teresa is very obvious in his portrayal of a foreign family who he tried to give weird and funny names. Even though Getúlio is working by himself, he is not alone thanks to the phone he installed in the middle of the mess in his tiny bondinho. His creativity is visible everywhere. Do you want a truly unique and authentic souvenir from Santa Teresa? Getúlio is your guy!