First, I bought a bike…
Maria José Lopes • 13 October 2021
First, I bought a bike…
I’m one of those persons that strongly believes that life gives us much more than it takes from us. I’ve learned it the hard way…
On a Sunday in 2019 I lost my husband. My life just felt apart on that day. I remember that I kept asking myself “What am I going to do? And my four kids? Why?” and then someone came to me and said, “Don’t question it, instead, ask yourself, for what?”. On that moment I did not understand very well but, today, I know exactly the answer: for getting up again and make something out of your life.
So, first, instead of going directly to psychotherapy, I bought a bike! Sports always made a part of my life and I always wanted to have a good road bike, so why not?!
Many adventures and new people came into my life, that today are very good friends… but somehow, something was missing… the “building” part was missing.
The pandemic came and like everyone, everywhere, I had to stay home for many months. I started thinking that this event was bad, but I had to find the good part of it, because in every bad thing, there’s a (hidden) good thing. One day, in September 2020, I woke up thinking about my grandfather and my happy afternoons at my grandparent’s house, watching him painting, wondering why I did not pursuit my dream, which was to be a painter, an artist. That thought stayed in my mind and on that afternoon I bought my first set of Aquarela paints.
On a Sunday in 2019 I lost my husband. My life just felt apart on that day. I remember that I kept asking myself “What am I going to do? And my four kids? Why?” and then someone came to me and said, “Don’t question it, instead, ask yourself, for what?”. On that moment I did not understand very well but, today, I know exactly the answer: for getting up again and make something out of your life.
So, first, instead of going directly to psychotherapy, I bought a bike! Sports always made a part of my life and I always wanted to have a good road bike, so why not?!
Many adventures and new people came into my life, that today are very good friends… but somehow, something was missing… the “building” part was missing.
The pandemic came and like everyone, everywhere, I had to stay home for many months. I started thinking that this event was bad, but I had to find the good part of it, because in every bad thing, there’s a (hidden) good thing. One day, in September 2020, I woke up thinking about my grandfather and my happy afternoons at my grandparent’s house, watching him painting, wondering why I did not pursuit my dream, which was to be a painter, an artist. That thought stayed in my mind and on that afternoon I bought my first set of Aquarela paints.
Yes, I’m self-taught emergent artist from Covid, but if there’s one thing I know is that one can have as many beginnings as one needs or wants. I found myself feeling and looking at things in a more profound way, opening all my senses to look between the lines of life. Ultimately, there are no boundaries for the human mind if we let ourselves be taken by our creativity. I felt my art could not stay forever in silence.
I started with watercolor, changing very quickly to oil and recently to acrylic. For each one of these mediums, I find a different journey and way to express myself. Watercolor offers me refuge from my stress and problems, somehow the water and the paint take me on a relaxing dance. Oil is my medium for landscapes and skies because of its majestic texture. I use acrylic and its techniques to define my many layers of deep feelings and emotions through abstract painting. In each one of these mediums, color takes a very important role because defines my state of spirit.
I’m hoping the viewer can feel all the layers of feelings and emotions not only through design and value, but also through color and texture … layers of dramatism, happiness, hope, grief, celebration, resilience, clarity, darkness, love, memories, dreams and visions…
“Layers” was the name of my first exhibition that took place this month, and it was a success. My dream came true. I know I have a lot to learn and to discover as an artist, but that is the amazing part. Getting out of our comfort zone is when all things happen.
Layers are what we are made of. They are what defines our lives, like thousands of photographs pilled up inside of us.
My name is Luis Pedro Picasso. I have been a graphic designer, illustrator since my childhood, and painter. Before commencing my studies, at the tender age of 8, I began my journey into the art world, creating illustrations with graphite pencil. After completing high school, I pursued my studies in graphic design at Instituto Bios in Montevideo, Uruguay, and I graduated at the age of 23. My enthusiasm for art and drawing has driven me to continuously refine my skills across various techniques. In April 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, I began taking painting classes. This opportunity allowed me to cultivate a unique style free from any external theoretical influences. I started drawing on the knowledge I had amassed over the years, crafting my own unique style and approach to painting. Life serves as our greatest teacher and mentor; our experiences form the foundation of our skills, while those around us and our cherished ones are our primary sources of inspiration.
Meng Li is a London-based contemporary artist and printmaker originally from China. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication Design from Sichuan University and is currently pursuing an MA in Printmaking at the University of the Arts London. Her practice explores the relationship between life and existence through inanimate objects, examining themes such as the boundaries between object and subject and the interplay between human society and the natural environment.
My name is Haru Mihoko and I am a painter currently working in Japan. I have loved drawing since I was a child and studied fine art and graphic design in my student days. After that, I continued to draw freelance, doing illustration work and illustrated packaging design for souvenir sweets, and now I am mainly working on creating paintings. I mainly use mixed media techniques to create beautiful landscapes, women's paintings, abstract art, etc. in delicate colors.
I am Anna (Anouk) Schmidt, currently living and working in the western region of Hungary as an illustrator. My connection with drawing dates back to my childhood. A master painter introduced me to the world of applied arts from the age of 6, who had accompanied my journey for more than a decade later on. The current form of Anouk Arts represents the natural intuitive experience of childhood for me, where the perception of space, time and physical attributes ceases in the process of creation. My main topics are the relationship between nature and humans in the realm beyond the known world. The passage between the worlds is represented by symbolism, with the feeling of memories which never have happened. I am greatly influenced by nature and the living flora and fauna, constellations, mysticism, Eastern philosophies, the art of music and cinema. I am also inspired by the artists of the spiritual culture that emerged in the 60s and 70s, highlighting some of them, such as Carlos Castaneda, Syd Mead, Bruce Davidson, Hiro Isonoo, Henryk Płóciennik.
Max-Malte Posmyk, known by his artist name MM.POSMYK, is a contemporary impressionist painter based near Berlin. His work blends the delicate language of lmpressionism with the expressive power of contemporary art. Thematically, he explores femininity, the vastness of the sea, and the longing for maternal security. His art reflects profound human emotions and the time/ess relationship between nature and intimacy, while also fostering interdisciplinary dialogue across generations and cultures.
Cholladee Jampathom, aka 'ChollCholl,' is a Thai artist and illustrator. She was born in Bangkok, Thailand, in September 1989. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts and a Master's degree in Graphic Branding & Identity." Although she did not graduate directly in the field of art or have a background in this area, she has been interested in and passionate about drawing since childhood. Additionally, her parents also have a love for art and music, which has led them to support her artistic journey all along. She began to focus more intensively on her artistic career in the past few years. Her interests tend to focus on inner growth, nature, and the subtle nuances of being human. Therefore, her work often contains elements that reflect thoughts, inner states, and the journey of understanding and discovering one’s own identity.
Hailing from the sunlit shores of the French Riviera, CESTNICOLAS, is a self-taught artist whose work transcends borders, emotions, and conventions. At just 26 years old, this emerging talent has already captivated audiences across Europe and the Middle East, showcasing his creations in prestigious venues from the Côte d’Azur to the Emirates.
My name is Mona Khan, and I am a contemporary abstract artist, fashion designer, and illustrator. I completed my A Levels in Art and Design at Beaconhouse School System. As an abstract artist, I skillfully utilize a diverse array of lines, colors, and shapes to craft a captivating visual experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of representing reality, allowing my work to embrace the realm of pure imagination. Each piece I create serves as an invitation for viewers to immerse themselves in a world unbound by the constraints of the physical universe. My preferred mediums include a harmonious blend of watercolor, acrylic, pastels, charcoal, and oil, each chosen for their unique qualities that contribute to the texture and depth of my artistic expression. Through this eclectic mix, I explore the interplay between form and color, inviting the audience to experience a dynamic journey through my creative vision. As a devoted and enthusiastic painter, I infuse vibrant colors and emotions into my canvases. With a sharp attention to detail and a profound love for art, I aim to craft distinctive and enthralling pieces that inspire and elevate those who encounter them. Through my artistry, I strive to encapsulate the beauty and intricacies of the world that surrounds us in all its forms. From the gentlest murmurs of nature, such as the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze or the melodic calls of distant birds, to the most striking expressions of human emotion that can convey profound joy, deep sorrow, or intense passion, I endeavor to express the complete range of life’s experiences through my work. Each piece I create is a reflection of my observations and a tribute to the myriad moments that shape our lives, seeking to inspire connection and resonate with those who encounter it. With every brushstroke, I infuse my heart and soul into each painting, aiming to produce works that are not just visually captivating but also deeply emotive.
Laurentiu STROE - Color, Texture, Inner Emotions
Your colors are so rich. How do you achieve this effect? When it comes to full-format graphic works, there is no secret as such. Achieving such rich and vivid colours is a combination of technique, material and intuition. I start by choosing high quality, expensive pens made by SAKURA, JAPAN, which allow me to achieve maximum colour saturation. Ultimately it is about finding the right balance and harmony to allow the colours to speak and evoke the right emotions. My goal is to make colours not just seen, but felt. Whether I am working with traditional materials or digital media, I focus on layering and blending to create a sense of saturation that mesmerises the viewer. Ultimately my approach to colour is about creating emotional resonance. I choose colours that evoke certain feelings and experiences, allowing the viewer to connect with the work on a deeper level. By carefully manipulating colour, I strive to create work that not only attracts attention, but invites contemplation and participation. Did you begin by drawing, painting? How did your art evolve over time? My journey in art began with black and white graphics. I was captivated by the simplicity and immediacy of a simple black gel pen and white paper, which allowed me to freely express my thoughts and emotions. Over time I moved on to conceptual art where I discovered the richness of the depth of colour. My art has evolved considerably, influenced by the different experiences, cultures and techniques I have encountered along the way. Initially I focused on black and white abstraction, but as I became more confident, I began experimenting with coloured pens and mixed media techniques. This evolution reflects my personal growth and desire to challenge traditional boundaries in art. Each phase of my artistic journey has contributed to the unique voice I strive to express in my work today. I see myself developing further by creating a multi-layered installation where I can engage the viewer's tactile, auditory and visual senses. What do you want the viewer to feel? A person can display on his face only one emotion fear, joy, sadness, sympathy. But in his soul a man is multifaceted. All intertwined experiences, from love to hate, create in the depths of his soul the most important feeling. And its name is Zero Emotion. And it is this emotion that I try to catch and capture in my works. Through my art I hope to evoke a sense of connection and introspection in the viewer. I want them to feel a deep resonance with the layers of stories and emotions embedded in each piece. My artwork is meant to awaken curiosity, inviting the viewer to explore and uncover their own interpretations and perceptions of reality. Ultimately, I strive to create the very world to which the viewer resonates.
