We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amadeo Carvalho a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Amadeo , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I started painting at a very young age when I would go with my mom to a painter’s house that she used to clean. He would teach me how to draw and paint. I have always been a creative person. I would deconstruct the toys my mom would give to me and build new ones, or I entertained myself creating toys with scraps I would find. I continued linked to the art world and studied arts and design in Lisbon. But it wasn’t until I emigrated to London in 2016 that I really invested in my skills as a painter. It all started with a painting of Cesária Évora (Cape Verde most famous singer) that I commissioned to a friend. At the time I was working in a restaurant and didn’t have many joyful moments to distract me. That painting changed my life. That’s when I really started painting and never stoped again. When I paint, I feel alive and strong. It allows me to express myself without any filters and it heals me from my anxiety. In addition, the people’s feedback and recognition of my work, shows me I am in the right path. People keep telling me they feel a true connection with the portraits I paint. I have realised now that my art can also heal other people and I want to be that channel.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I was born in 1985 in the Cape Verdean island of São Vicente. During my young adult years I lived and studied in Lisbon, Portugal and in 2016 I moved to London to follow a childhood love. Growing up to a single mother and a house full of cousins, I faced many challenges and hardship in my childhood years. However, that build me up to the man I am today and gave me a privilege perspective of life. I believe God made me with magic on my hands and a refined taste for the arts and crafts. I have worked in a few senseless jobs but I’ve always been attracted to painting. So I have decided to give it a chance. I like to paint portraits of people from my culture, underrated people and people that inspire me.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am very perfectionist and focused on my goals once I set them up. Whenever I start painting, I won’t stop until is finished or until I get a sense of fulfilment. In addition to painting, I am a chef and a Dj of Afro House, Afro Tech and Fusion House. Music has payed a big part on my life and it strongly influences the creative side of me. However, I have learned that if you want to be great at something, you must focus on one thing. That thing for me is painting. That’s what I want to master and become great at. Music and cooking will always be a part of who I am and will be present on my daily life but painting is the path I want to follow forward.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I can say that 2023 was the year that changed my life. I had two debut exhibitions. The first one in Cape Verde, in the Cultural Centre of Mindelo for the collection “The Blackness in me stains”. This collection aims to empower the Cape Verdean women and show their beauty. The second exhibition was in Lisbon, “Mandinga – Uma paródia mal contada”, that focuses in an underrated carnival group that has now achieve a level of high importance in the carnaval. At the moment I am working on an exciting new collection alongside a renowned Brazilian painter. It’s something I can’t discuss at the moment but can share it will touch themes of resilience, beauty and strength. Stay tuned because great things are coming!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amadeo-carvalho.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amadeo_carvalho/
