Meet Choni Ribeiro

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Choni Ribeiro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Choni, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity thrives when we’re in motion, so I make it a point to keep creating regularly. Even if inspiration doesn’t strike immediately, the act of creating builds momentum and keeps me ready for when that spark does appear. It’s not just about waiting for inspiration to strike, but about consistently moving forward – because only through continuous effort can I grow and reach new creative heights.

In addition, I fuel my creativity through constant reading and learning, whether that’s exploring art-related topics or diving into other areas like other creative industries or business. These varied experiences broaden my perspective and keep my mind stimulated. Music also plays a big role in my process, as well as engaging in conversations about life, work, and looking at and studying other artists’ practices. These help create the mental space for fresh ideas to emerge.

Finding a balance between the hustle of work and moments of free time is crucial too. Often, the best ideas come when I let my mind wander, free from the pressure to always produce or evolve. A little procrastination or idle time can lead to unexpected breakthroughs, so I make sure to give myself that space to let ideas flow naturally.

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’m a visual artist originally from Portugal, now based in Los Angeles, and I’m thrilled to be part of such a vibrant and dynamic art scene. It’s been quite a journey—from painting on the floor of my bedroom in Lisbon to having my own studio here in LA. The energy and opportunities in this city are inspiring, and it excites me to be surrounded by so much creativity and innovation.

Right now, I’m deeply immersed in my studio work, constantly creating new pieces and preparing for upcoming exhibitions. One of the most exciting projects I’m currently working on is a large-scale piece (105×145 inches) for an office in Venice Beach. We might even present some of my work there in an exhibition format, which I’m really looking forward to.

My primary focus now is building connections, expanding my network, and selling my work to collectors and enthusiasts. My goal is to have my first solo or group exhibition in LA, and I’m committed to growing and evolving until I reach that milestone. Every step feels like progress, and I’m eager for what’s coming next.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me, three key qualities have been essential in my journey: Self-belief with a clear goal, Persistence and Patience.

It’s crucial to have confidence in your abilities and a definite path you want to pursue. Believing that you can reach where you want to be is the foundation. Without that, it’s easy to get lost. Define your destination and stay focused on it.

Once you’ve set your goal, persistence is what ensures you keep going, no matter the obstacles. The journey can be long and challenging, the key is to keep moving forward without giving up.

Although it’s something I’m still working on, patience is incredibly important. Success and progress don’t happen overnight, and the ability to endure the time it takes to reach your goals is essential.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to be eager to learn, and to develop your own learning process. Whether it’s through books, podcasts, classes, lectures, or YouTube, find the methods that resonate with you. But be discerning – always consider the source of information and whether it aligns with your vision, values, and reality. The key is to absorb knowledge from different places, mix it up, and shape your own path forward based on what makes sense to you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always open to connecting and collaborating with artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts. Although I tend to be more introverted when creating, I really enjoy studio visits and engaging with others about art. Whether it’s discussing creative practices, exchanging ideas, or exploring joint projects, I find these interactions invaluable.

As I mentioned earlier, my current major goal is to have a solo or group exhibition here in LA. Being around artists, collectors and art enthusiasts helps me grow as an artist—debating our work, sharing new perspectives, and gaining fresh insights. From these connections, exciting collaborations in many different forms can naturally emerge.

If you’re interested in collaborating or connecting, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s see how we can contribute to each other’s creative journeys.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Rui Murka Photography

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