A Vontade seized the opportunity to catch up with our friend, artist Sonia Lopes. Check out what this newest artist to join the A Vontade representation roster had to say.

 

Please tell us where you were born and raised. 

I was born in São Vicente, Cabo Verde but raised in Praia, [in] Plateau.

You are a respected entrepreneur in Praia. Do you still own and run the private English school ELI? 

ELI Praia, English Language Institute, closed after the pandemic. And now I live off art. There is nothing better than doing what you came to do in this world to do. Of course it’s hard to live off art, but it’s worth it. I feel alive!!!!

You have also made a name for yourself with your music career. Tell us a bit about how it got started and your most recent project or performance.

Music is as powerful and special to me as painting. The first one (music) is like adrenaline and the second (painting) calms me down, keeps me in balance. I would not know how to live without either of them. And now that I have added theater acting, it’s been crazy. I’m loving every second of it, too. At this moment I’m preparing a piece which I think it has everything to do with my life. It’s from a book of this wonderful writer and painter, Cesare Marcotto. So I haven’t being working much on my music. It will be on standby until December after presenting this piece. After that I’ll be launching a new song that is almost ready, acoustic and in Brazilian Portuguese. Also in December I will be presenting a new painting and participating in an art show organized by the Ministério de Cultura. I feel so honored to be selected.

When did you realize you have (visual) artistic talent? 

When I used to live in the [United] States we had painting classes in school. But it wasn’t until I got to México and visited museums thatI fell in love with expressing my feelings through painting since I was really bad in writing, hahahaa. 

What is your favorite medium? Favorite subject matter? And why?

I don’t like writing because [with it] I only express reality. I guess that’s why I am a visual artist and love to paint the bright side of everything and try to transform the worst into good lessons. All of this just to bring joy to people. My painting world is a project to bring joyful art to ALL people. I believe everyone deserves art. That’s why I paint in different sizes and prices for everyone. It’s about giving, it’s about love.

Are there any connections between your music and your visual art creations?

Yesssssss, I can not separate them. They go together. Nowadays my musical performances come together with my visual arts exhibitions. Some paintings go home with a soundtrack of the song I was listening to when I worked on it. 

What inspires you/your art? 

Everyday life, pure feelings and love.

Does your CV culture impact your visual art? If so, how? 

I’m a Cape Verdean who has lived in different countries (Brasil, México, Portugal, the USA and my country Cape Verde) so I have the tendency to paint my life on earth in general, and that includes Cape Verde.

You studied in the States and have traveled abroad a lot. What keeps bringing you back to/keeps you here in Cabo Verde? 

Family (including friends and chosen family), and family is love. Can’t live without it. The older I get, the more I learn how important it is.

Is there anything else you are most proud of or want to share about?

Yes, I’m a proud mom who manages to make my dreams come true, one by one. A special thanks to my kids who support me with kind words. And thank you Joli for being a part of my art when it all began professionally. Thank you God.