Hey There!
If you want to know more about me:
I have lived in Mozambique, Azores, Oporto, Karlsruhe, Salzburg, and Algarve.
Today, I`m a proud "Bruxelloise."🇧🇪
I also am a compulsive reader, a good gourmand, and a walker
Please, feel welcome in my space!
My Story
I'm Portuguese, and I work at an international school in Brussels, Belgium. I was born in Mozambique and studied in Portugal, Germany, and Austria. I graduated as an artist (whatever that is) and as a teacher.
The idea of "Art2UOnline" was born during the confinement (2021). While trying to create more digital content for my students, I thought of making it accessible to everyone.
I was working hard (and fast) to prove I didn't know to whom, but suddenly, a turn of events forced me to stop. For me it wasn't the confinement that affected me, it just helped. Truly limiting health problems made me see where I was and where I was heading, and I wasn't sure that was what I wanted for myself.
Adding to that, one day, as I was leaving the house, I noticed that the daffodils were in bloom; the birds continued to sing at my window in the late afternoon, and moss grew on the branches. I started drawing and painting again. Not to prepare a lesson or do some commissioned work. Just for the pleasure of the lines and colors. It sounds like a cliché, but that was it. So simple.
And I rediscovered in the nature that surrounded me a way to nurture my creativity and connect with my intuition, giving me a new perspective that what seemed like a challenge could become an opportunity.
Naturally, this project changed course, and today, as you can see, it is a place where I share my artistic work.
Interestingly, Art2 U Online was intended to be an art room where everyone would be welcome. But I am of African origin, and I know that a "room" is not important.
In Africa, we often teach under a tree. (It´s also the place where we make the most important decisions, not only for us but for our "tribe.")
We are the ones who make the space: with our initiative and energy.
I hope you will continue to come and meet me here, under the tree.s, around the branch.es.
♻️ 🌳 🎨 🧶
A short Interview
Initially trained in Fine Arts, she has recently begun sewing, adding fibers and embroidery to her work. She often combines natural elements found in Nature with traditional painting techniques to create her art pieces.
Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I live in Brussels, Belgium, and have taught in a secondary school for several years. However, I was born and raised in Lourenço Marques, Mozambique. I moved to Porto, Portugal, to study fine arts at the University, and from there, I moved several times and lived in the Azores, Karlsruhe, and Salzburg.
Do you have a studio where you work?
I managed to adapt a corner in my apartment to include a studio area for myself. A small table and a support cart are all I need.
What is your background in textiles?
I learned to work with textiles from my mother. She taught us to sew and knit at night while we watched television. In knitting, I didn't show much skill. But I liked sewing and embroidery; I developed my knowledge and technique later in high school. However, I did not enroll in the textiles option in college.
About two years ago, I started working again with embroidery and fabric, exploring its possibilities combined with painting and drawing.
I decided I wanted to explore more fibers and fabrics, and I have taken different courses related to these techniques. I also participated in a project developed by APECV, which was the main driving force behind the work I am currently doing.
How do you describe your art?
I would describe my art as mixed media, using several approaches: watercolor, appropriation of natural elements, collage, and embroidery. My main inspiration comes from the environment around me; I have found that my walks over the last few months have been a great source of inspiration and a starting point for much of my work this year. I prefer to use found items such as tree branches, leaves, and stones or recycled materials such as pieces of wood, plaster, or ceramic, which generally nobody cares about and would go to waste.
How long does it usually take to do an artwork?
Varies a lot! The preparatory work of observation and research, collection of natural elements, selection of the color palette, etc., can take a few weeks to consolidate. Still, once it's internalized, I can complete a small job in a few hours. I work on several pieces simultaneously, as it keeps my creative juices flowing. However, sometimes it also takes time to find the right tree branch or stone to complete the composition and give the work as finished. I know what I want, and I'm just waiting for Nature to deliver me, and I have to respect her time.