How did you get into art?

Ever since I remember, art is my business.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

Hum... anything, especially on a vodka bottle.

What has been your best creation to date?

My all handmade toy "black cocktail Mike", take a look here.

How much do you think hype affects the public perception of what good art is?

A good art is hard to find... a good public is harder.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

California by Mr. Bungle.

How did you feel when you realised that art could make you some money?

I still haven't seen much money yet...

Why do so many people spend money on music yet so few buy art?

I think it's a cultural problem, especially in Brazil...

How is your local art scene?

As well as I said previously, people don't buy much art in Brazil, but São Paulo is the richest city of South America and street art is getting more popular, mainly with the new specialized galleries that is opening now... Things are getting better.

What makes you happy?

German beer after a good day of work!

What makes you sad?

Have no money... to drink.

What's it like to be interviewed?

Funny.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Well, I prefer jazz than rock and alcohol than drugs... But, a little bit of all of them is good, not necessarily at the same time.

Last book you read?

"Uma janela para Copacabana" from the Brazilian writer Luis Alfredo Garcia-Rosa.

What's your favourite soup?

Abobora soap.

Tell us a secret?

I had two girlfriends at the same time once...

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

Gypsy woman told my momma, before I was born,
You got a boy-child comin', gonna be a son-of-a-gun,
Gonna make these pretty women, jump and shout,
And the world will only know, a-what it's all about...

Is there a downside to being so talented?

I am flattered… Well, clearly that is not the same thing as playing guitar in a rock band. I've never heard of someone that gets women only because he knows how to draw… Just joking, the important is know how to deal with the talent, if you don't, that's useless.

Ask yourself (and answer) a question ?

What is the secret to make a good caipirinha?

The important is remove all the white part of the lemon before drips cachaça on the drink.

What's your worst habit?

Lucky Strike red. 

Any close encounters with the law?

Well, not lately…

What else do you like other than art?

Texas Hold'em, good music, portuguese wine, periquita, many things...

Any regrets?

I am learning to deal with them.

Final thoughts?

Well, my english is not that good, so I hope that what I wrote makes sense... that's all folks

Interview - Mr. Burrows 21/11/07