Artist Statement
Self-portraiture
Portraiture to me, is a comfortable approach to make a series of cohesive images that express something deep about myself. I have always put myself into certain stories, living through the character’s shoes and experience part of their story. I utilize classic portraiture methods from the past where artists left symbols and hints to describe the subject’s personality and achievements. I include surrealistic elements connected to a fantasy setting. I enjoy drawing animals and fantastic creatures including some in all images for continuity across the series.
Rather than portraying stories about the world, these images talk about myself. Given time and respecting my own creative voice, I took the art fundamentals and twisted them to my vision. I try to render art that seems like pictures representing a moment, having very dark areas with wispy details compared to high contrast and detailed parts. I use these techniques to show details about myself to capture a moment nobody can see.
All pieces talk about myself and who I am. The Portuguese heritage using merchant’s clothing as to the business my family is tied to, the dragon being a symbol of power and wisdom. The archer showing how much preparing I take to execute my work, and the eagle symbolizing my vision from afar. The knight holding his family crest on his back, doing whatever it takes to protect it, having a wolf at his side representing loyalty and responsibility. And on the last piece showing my artistic side, a ram is present representing creativity. The animal meanings reinforce the message on the pictures.
Through these images, I am showing the audience some of the important values I cherish so they can feel what my art is about. I’m bringing important pieces that tell the story of who I am, having a focused idea with some general meaning lingering that can add to the picture’s value, puzzling the viewer with some mystery.