Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Mendes.
Jeff, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m a Brazilian artist, living in Sao Paulo. Art has been a part of my life since I was a kid, I remember drawing lots of time and creating characters inspired by super hero magazines and also in television animations. At the age of fourteen I went to work professionally as a draftsman at an advertising agency and continued working in different areas in the same profession for a long time.
Currently, in addition to my copyrighted works, I am manager of a site of artistic creations for fashion stamping and companies in other sectors.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My own productions have gone through some transformations, derived from personal questions and these changes I also put in my way of production, that is, I always use platforms that help me show what is in my head as best I can, this can happen in a painting, a drawing, an artistic installation, an urban intervention or any other form that satisfies me at the moment.
The basis of my work is the dialogue about human consciousness and interactions with the contemporary world, my intention is always to open a dialogue or question about something that is important in my point of view, for example in the series “Miscegenation” I developed characters, using photographs of different people, so I was able to create new and unique characters in the drawings, just as miscegenation does to all of us. The golden made with the use of coffee, represent the playful vision of the essence of each of these characters and, from these points, I open a questioning, what is more important, skin color and ethnicity … or essence of each?
My goal with the works is to bring reflection on the theme presented, but all this, using a visual aesthetic that satisfies me, I like well-done works.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Unfortunately the artistic career is not easy, they are very closed markets and very difficult to enter. Even today I have to perform other functions to be able to supply my financial needs, but I believe that this is part of the process, nowadays I do not let this affect me, I can divide my time between the work that “pays the bills” and produce my art, I think this is the best way to move on.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
For now people can see my work through my social networks, Instagram and Facebook – @jeffmendesarte.
At this moment I am developing a project for an individual show where I develop large works in graphite (2m x 1.2m) and also oil paint.
In this production I am creating new characters and exposing the need to “break the cycle of violence” and I am looking for a gallery to make this exhibition …including, if anyone has interest, just send me an email, I will be very happy. jeffmendesart@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Address: São Paulo, Brasil
- Website: www.jeffmendes.com (in restructuring)
- Phone: 55 11 944717475
- Email: jeffmendesart@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffmendesarte/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffmendesarte
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffmendesarte
Image Credit:
Jeff Mendes
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