In the sun-drenched town of Manhiça, Mozambique, Zeca Francisco Saia transforms ordinary cement into extraordinary art. His journey began in 2003 when, unable to continue his work as a bricklayer, he stood before a tree in his yard with a single bag of cement and a prayer for purpose.

That humble beginning yielded his first creations - an airplane and a bird - met initially with skepticism from neighbors. Today, those same neighbors celebrate his success as his work attracts international collectors and tourists.

Saia's creative process is deeply intuitive. He finds inspiration in passing clouds, which might suggest the shape of a house or animal, and in quiet moments of contemplation. Each piece requires careful attention to timing, with larger works like his Jesus statues taking up to four weeks to complete as he works with cement's natural drying process.

Despite never having formal artistic training beyond his seventh-grade education, Saia has developed a distinctive style and ambitious vision. He dreams of creating large-scale works, including a life-size airplane that visitors could step inside. His yard doubles as a nursery for plants - his "personal Garden of Eden" - which provides additional income between sculpture sales.

"I started because I had to have something to do," Saia reflects. That simple necessity has blossomed into a calling that continues to evolve, proving that sometimes the most remarkable art begins with just a bag of cement and an unwavering faith in possibility.