Artists

5 minutes with Luís Bastos

Luís Bastos

Luís Bastos is an emerging Portuguese painter with national exposure. Shifting from portraits to landscapes to abstract expressionism, he composes paintings full of movement and memories. He finds particular inspiration in music, seeking to visually transmit the sound of of Chopin, Vivaldi, or even Metallica. He ultimately produces works full of action, energy and impact.

We sat down with Luís Bastos to talk about his current projects, inspiration, and the start of his artistic career.

When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I always wanted to be a full time artist although I never saw a career as a way to make a living. However, at 43 years old and after a divorce and some deep reflection, I decided to invest everything I had and believe in myself and my potential and follow my dream to become an artist.

Neither Black nor White, I’m a human color, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas100x150cm

Can you talk about your artistic influences and other artists you are most inspired by?

Well, Pollock is an inescapable name, a reference for me, in what he represented and what he still represents. His creative audacity and his detachment from artistic dogmas as a starting point for creation on a white canvas unlocked a whole universe of possibilities. This is how my creative process begins for me. To go to the canvas with an open heart without fear is the motto for good work.

Do you prefer to work alone or collaborate with others?

Definitely, alone, I work from the inside, emotions are my ingredients, and I am a devout disciple of C.G. Jung. I believe in the potentialities of the psyche, so I like to explore those senses that sometimes are latent and only wake up with some stimuli which can deteriorate a familiar relationship. In my opinion the seclusion of a creative is essential to his process, at least for me it is. 

The path, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas100x150cm

Can you tell us about a project you’re currently working on?

Thanks for asking this, I am very excited about the future acquisition of my new space happening by the end of 2021, a larger studio where I can do exhibitions and host new artists. Maybe one time it could become a full-time artist residency space. The space will be divided largely into two parts, one a playful space for yoga classes or lectures, recreational and cultural activities, etc. And the other will be my creative space, my temple.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t an artist?

I would certainly be driving trucks which was my old profession, although I must say that scenario no longer exists, the past does not exist.

Are there other artists presented on Singulart whose work you like? 

Of course I do, I particularly like Ta Byrne’s work, I find it very interesting.

A meaningful walk, 2021
Acrylic on Canvas70x120cm

What advice would you give to young artists starting out ?

Well, the advice I can give is not for beginners but for everyone, is to know how to listen to the voice of silence, a book by Helena Blavatsky, but that can serve as a dynamo for the awakening of the inner being, because that will be the one that will make you get out of bed at dawn and go paint, the one that will bear the weight of criticism if you can’t have a top of the line cell phone, but that will fill your heart with happiness for finishing a work that can be loved by others and that is what matters most, is to keep doing what your heart tells you to do. Believe in yourself. I did it, when 43 years old.

Thank you Luís ! Click here to view his full SINGULART portfolio !