Nimble fingers sculpt matchstick figures

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) -- An Argentine dental technician has found a more artistic use for his skilled hands, by creating delicate, lifelike sculptures from matchsticks.

Horacio Cabrera said his work in the dental field gave him the dexterity to work on small pieces, and such work led, little by little, to the pleasure of creating miniatures.

"For me, the greatest joy comes from seeing people's faces, seeing their amazement when they see what can be created in such a small space," he said. Some of the pieces take months to complete.

At the Buenos Aires gallery where his work was exhibited, viewers saw it as a revolutionary art form for the new millennium.

Cabrera, who is originally from Uruguay, sculpts his figures on the ends of matchsticks, using diminutive scalpels, tweezers, blades and other small tools. The work requires either a very sharp eye or a magnifying glass for viewing.

Cabrera discovered his love for miniature sculptures 13 years ago. Since then, he has dedicated his free time to an activity that requires good eyesight, a steady hand and extraordinary patience.

Initially, the sculptor reproduced works by the masters, such as Michelangelo's "Pieta," Milo's "Venus," and even the "Statue of Liberty."

He then focused on representing people's activities, including a tiny sculpture of a tango troupe. In his current mode, he carves whatever catches his fancy.

Cabrera, who has lived in Argentina for years, said he may eventually sell his work. But, for now, he's satisfied with exhibiting it. He feels a special attachment to the sculptures.

He recalled the time he gave Pope John Paul II a miniature replica of Christ; the pontiff told him he would keep it on his night table.

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