Have you heard of Helio Bray? If not, it’s time you had. This Portuguese artist is one to be reckoned with. In this issue of John Eric Home and Lifestyle, we spoke with this painter about his colorful world.
JEHL: Let’s start at the beginning of your journey. What was the catalyst, that moment that made you pursue art (either personally or professionally or both)?
I was very young when I first started to paint at 12 years old. I started on the graffiti scene. At that time, I knew that it would become my life, but I never thought in this amazing way. That came years later, when I felt my techniques grow stronger. Also, painting on the street scene seemed to not be enough. I had an incredible invitation to exhibit in an iconic place – Lisbon, Portugal. The exhibition featured a nine-meter-long wall to paint, and I created 18 pieces for the show. They sold out almost immediately. Maybe then, I had the vision that I was made for both worlds.
JEHL: What inspires you to paint and create?
My work comes from the amount of emotions and feelings that I have inside me. The colors are definitely in the world where I feel comfortable. The compositions are made and constructed in real time. I don’t make sketches beforehand – neither on the street nor in the atelier. When I start a new work, it really comes from my roots in years of graffiti. It’s also deeply connected with the many feelings and emotions that are part of me. I create and paint the way that I feel that day.
JEHL: What inspires you to paint a particular piece?
I always start with the colors. In fact, I think the choice of the right color, or most times making my own color, is what inspires me to create a specific piece. It is so amazing to have the possibility to create my own yellow, for example. From that, I start my lines, the layers, sometimes the collages, or the graffiti forms.
JEHL: Are there any movements or styles or artists that have and/or continue to impact your work?
I had never seen graffiti when I started to paint. I was living far from cities at that time. So, the graffiti scene, the culture and its urban walls were one of the first styles that I absorbed. I also researched and deeply resonate with Jackson Pollock. I am fascinated by his work.
JEHL: Where has your journey, thus far, taken you?
I am exactly where I want to be. It is a path that doesn’t have an end. The creativity is infinite.
JEHL: Can you please speak on your different collections – both past and present?
Through the years, my work has been in a constant state of transformation. There may be some differences, of course, but they are all strongly connected with the vibrance of colors. In the past, it was a more pure graffiti style. But certainly, in the works of today, I connect with colors and forms. I have changed, created, and shaped new works, but they have always something in common – colors and vibrance.
JEHL: Do you accept commissioned pieces?
Yes, I do. I always feel committed to the creation of a specific style of art and establish a bond between the artwork, the client, and the artist. It adds a special story to the piece’s creation and commission. That story will remain throughout time in the art. I am fascinated by stories that are hand in hand with the artworks.
JEHL: Can you describe for our readers the varied differences between painting a fresh canvas out of inspiration and a commissioned work?
Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of being able to paint only what I love. What I really want to paint, that is something that I see as a blessing. When a client contacts me with a specific request, I must confess that I challenge myself to go and catch the entire idea – colors or theme – that the client wants. My clients have been – and to this day are – very clear. They search my work to have a spontaneous creation. Something directly from the soul. A work that definitely lasts through time. The origin of the creation. At the end, I feel even happier to know that one of my creations will add a touch of light in a specific home. So, to answer the question, the only difference is that I have a point to start with – the colors, the theme – chosen by the client. So, for me, there are few differences between the commission and the fresh canvas. Freedom of creations is always there.
JEHL: Can you describe for our readers what it is like to prepare for and mount an exhibition?
First, I have to observe the place where the exhibition will take place. Then, if it resonates with me, and I feel a connection, I start to create new artworks for that specific show. I particularly like to have several styles and different compositions in each exhibition. I search to have a place, and I feel lucky to work with galleries that feel the same way, that is full of differences, feelings, colors, and compositions… It is important to me to have a show full of what I really am: an artist with many artistic styles. And I also do my best to share my passion for colors the best way that I can. In the end, expect a bold experience. Between walls full of works painted in many colors and styles.
JEHL: Can you please share with us one or two cool or fun, or unique anecdotes from either your personal or professional life as an artist?
In 2012, I had a solo show in Lisbon. It was a big event, and at that time, I had around 30 new artworks to exhibit there. The team was hanging all the artwork on the walls; everything was going OK. It was a lot of stress to have everything ready in time.
I had a special piece to place on the front wall of the show. ‘Partina Girald’ is the name of the canvas, and the artwork that I wanted to be the first to be seen. 20 minutes before the opening, I was taking a last walk through the exhibition space to see if everything was in place, when I suddenly noticed a big cut on the canvas. Not any other canvas, the ‘Partina Girald’ canvas. A bigger canvas and the first canvas that I had in the show. I felt crazy about the situation, but I just went to the artwork, with some materials I still have with me, and fixed the artwork in place. My wife unpacked that specific work. She made the cut when unpacking the artwork. She still feels guilty till today (laughs).
It was, at the time and in the moment, crazy, but now it’s funny. I still keep that artwork with me in my house. It will not be sold. It is part of my story, and I look at it every day.
