How did you get into art?

The only thing I can do is drawing. I used to illustrate in a newspaper, I learn a lot there. Drawing every day, quickly and  about all subjects. It was a good school.

How do you get inspiration for the pieces you produce?

From around me, the people in the streets, in the beach, underground, things like that. Walking in the streets gives me a lot of inspiration.

What has been your best creation to date?

My secret sketchbooks, when I draw mostly and only with pleasure, watching TV or talking in the telephone, thinking in nothing.

Last CD you bought/downloaded/shoplifted?

I've just downloaded some music from Amadou and Mariam,  Andrés Calamaro, Excuse me mister from Ben Harper and Skokian from Louis Armstrong.

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

Good! It's amazing that one can earn money doing  things that you loves to do. It's like win a prize that you don't deserve because it's so easy for you.

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

Music is more popular and easier to buy here in Brazil.

How does it feel to be interviewed?

Funny.

Describe your ideal day?

Surf (very small waves), the water not so cold, drink beer laying in the sand with my friends, eating a good fish and go home late to draw or read.

Sex, drugs or rock n roll?

Sex and cachaça.

Last book you read?

2666 by Roberto Bolaño a Chilean writer that I'm crazy in love with his books. He also wrote The Savage Detectives, a master piece!

Most treasured possession?

A wood sculpture of a monkey by Nino a Brazilian illiterate from Ceará, he cut sugarcane and worked as blacksmith before turning to carving wood. I bought in a street market for nothing. It's so modern and colorful.

What's your favourite film?

Several! That Night in Varennes and A Special Day ( Ettore Scola), E la Nave Va (Fellini), An Angel at My Table (Jane Champion), any iranian film, Amores perros, To Return (almost all Almodovar films), Figth Club, Match Point, Land and Freedom, Barry Lyndon, A Clockwork Orange, Lolita, Brazil, Hour of the Star, Being John Malkovich, The Sheltering Sky, The Remains of the Day, Brancaleone etc.. etc..  

Quote us your favourite song lyric?

“I want something good to die for, to make it beautiful to live.” (Queens of the Stone Age)

What's your worst habit?

I Talk too much. I think it's my Italian blood and gender.

What else do you like other than art?

Traveling, people, good food, wine and cachaça.

Any regrets?

No!

Final thoughts?

:)

Interview - Mr. Burrows 13/05/07