Mary Halvorson's portrait at Jazz Magazine

Spring's arrived here! Flowers are blooming, and I had the finest gift today.

One of my drawings was chosen to feature in David Cristol's latest article for Jazz Magazine. The photos are from Petra Cvelbar, and the article is about Mary Halvorson's most meaningful albums in her life. A breath of fresh air :) 

A part of the article is online (in the previous link) and the other part of the article is in store's, in the latest Jazz magazine issue.

When I did this portrait of hers, the sun was shining, the weather was sweet, I was at one of the most fascinating gardens in Lisbon, and thrilling music festivals: Gulbenkian's Jazz em Agosto! And I had one of the most original guitarists playing at my front (blessed Mary!), and some of the most inspiring colleagues by my side: the photographer Petra Cvelbar and David Cristol. 

The trine is now reactivated with our joint work here. As in Gestalt, the result is bigger than the sum of the parts. So happy about that! May new adventures follow.

A while ago, I wrote some more about David here. You can find some of his work here, and some of Petra's here. Enjoy!

The right place (Joana Bernardo | Radar)

This must be the place © Rita Draper Frazão 2019

Radio Series

A couple of weeks ago, I started a new project for my blog, and this is my first publication about it. This new adventure of mine, is something I had in mind for years. It's about my favorite Radio Hosts, and I called it Radio Series.

In the following times, I will publish some articles and drawings here, about each one of them.

I feel like the radio keeps me company, and makes me happy in a deep way, as music does.
Radio programs and music are something one can't grab or touch. One can listen (and sometimes see). Differently from other visual arts, the no images attached space these two provide, allows me to fill that gap with my imagination. The result is what you can find in these Radio series. May you hear the sound in these drawings and texts.

My first stop is at Radio Radar. Enjoy and join me in the ride!

One of those things

Way before I met Radar's radio host, Joana Bernardo, seems like our lives were already linked. 

While a child, Joana was friends with persons that used to spend Summer Vacations in a house owned by my family. We never met back then.

We've just found out about this, many years afterwards, when we studied together at the fine Arts School, in Lisbon. That's how we met.

Then, in 2009, Joana started to work with Radar, hosting the show Bairro do amor (in English, something like the love district). That's also the title of one of the most iconic Jorge Palma's album, a landmark in the Portuguese music scene.

Turns out, Palma, in different times, also went to that same house. He even wrote a song about it, and recorded it in his Voo Nocturno album.

In the end, the link between these unexpected and seemingly disconnected facts, between Joana, the radio show, Jorge Palma and I, is just one: music. 

Radio peek

Despite our friendship of years, I had never made before, a portrait just from her. This time around, it was mandatory for me, that this series, started with the drawing and article I did about her. She was the first person I contacted to do so, and the first one to accept my challenge.

Joana and I, didn't see each other for a while. Arriving to the radio, I was a bit afraid our catching up could interfere with my focus on the drawing. But, fortunately, things came across the other way around: the conversation flowed, with my ideas, and I think I must've done her portrait in minutes!

Type of Language

I need to mention this chick did a master in contemporary editorial and typographical practices. In that context, she made a book called 30 anos 8 dias. It's about the daily life of a group of creative people around 30 years old. I found it a true archive for the future. 

In the context of this radio series, that book's relevant to mention, to emphasize the curiosity of this radio host, in knowing different things, different people, and different ways of doing things, daily. I see that same openness in her musical choices in the radio - that can include, pop, new wave, rock, jazz, hip hop, reggae, folk, grunge, or r'n'b. All wrapped up, in that clear voice of hers. Worth to mention her diction, that reminds me the finest porcelain.

Nowadays, one can hear Joana at Radar FM , live from Monday to Friday, from 14h to 17h (GMT), in Comércio Livre - Monday to Friday, and in Álbum de Família - Wednesday at 14h, Sunday at 12h and Monday at 23h. Podcasts can be found here.

In the Radio's studio, there were some typography elements, that reminded me, of our common graphic design background. Somehow, I wanted a reference of it, in this drawing. So, I later stamped This must be the place, with types of several alphabets of my personal stamp collection - that I have been making, ever since I am a little kid. Loved playing with them, and still do! 

These typographic choices are, therefore, are an allusion to that diversity I find in Joana, to the text, and to our childhood - the period where our lives started to be connected, at distance. 

The right place

About the portrait, itself, I started to chose which color I wanted it to have, and why. For Joana, I wanted something airy, sweet, and unattainable (a cloud, a scent, a steam one can't grab, as the radio) - a hue almost confusable with the background white. Something reservedly mysterious and alluring, at the same time.

Here's someone who looks at things with sharp eyes, and makes them objective - as if that was simple! In my vision, that required a fast drawing with simple lines, to match.

During our drawing-talky session, I got to know Talking heads is one of Joana's favorite bands. This must be the place (Naive Melody), is both the title of the Talking Heads' song, and my portrait of Joana Bernardo. The song is 36 years old, and still so actual. It's also one of my favorites tunes of this band. I chose this specific song to her portrait, due to its airy, exotic & in vogue tone. I see so much of that in her.

This must be the place is said to be Talking heads' first love song. But not a common one.
They had had the genius of writing a love song, out of pure joy, without making it look tacky. So many bands trying to do now, what they've accomplished almost 40 years ago. They were breaking ground for the future to come.

And Joana Bernardo is also that type of being, who thinks ahead - as if that pinky steam in her drawing, could vaporize the world to come, and inspire it to be, the place to be in.
The better place I'd want you, Joana and me, to be in too. As in the lyrics of this song, Feet on the ground, head in the sky. I guess this must be the place. A match made in heaven.

The next Radio series

Curious to know who am I writing and drawing about next?
I am preparing some really cool stuff for the next chapters, and more exciting contents will come soon! Stay tuned, and don't miss a bit!

The (En)chants in Coimbra

In the Northern Hemisphere, warmer weather is arriving, and along with it, is spring break too!

Here's what I took as an inspiration last time I was in Coimbra. These are stories and images made with joy and brought to you with Spring energy. Being North or South, might it inspire you in your next holidays! Take a look!

The Architecture blend

One of the things I find fascinating about Coimbra is the quality and the historical mix of architecture it covers. Architecture built over centuries lives harmoniously in this city in a very special way. 

Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Mannerism, Baroque, Modernism, International Style, Português Suave style (one of Estado Novo's architecture style) and Modern architecture are all present! Here's a taste of my my inner tour in some of those striking examples.

In the urbanist and archaeological chapter of this city, are included buildings from the 18th century (as the Botanical Garden), 16th century (e.g. University royal palace), 11th century (e.g. Almedina Tower), or the 1st/2nd century (e.g. Roman underground city Aeminium, whose cryptoporticus can be visited in the Machado de Castro Museum. It is the biggest of its kind in Portugal).

Santiago Church silhouette, in São Bartolomeu District. 
One of the examples of the Romanesque architecture in the city.

Detail of the Old cathedral of Coimbra (foundations built in 1139)

Santa Cruz Monastery

One other example, is the Monastery of Santa Cruz.

 The foundations of one of the National Pantheons, are Romanesque and dated between 1132 and 1223. Though, over time, the church had several refurbishments done, until what we can see today. Those include a full refurbishment in the 16th century in Manueline style, tiles from the 18th century, and a triumphal arch from the 19th century, just to name a few. Defining, here, was the artistic contribute of Diogo de Boitaca, Nicolau Chanterene, João de Ruão, Grão Vasco and Cristóvão de Figueiredo.

King Afonso Henriques (the 1st king of Portugal, founder of the nation and of this monastery) and his son, King Sancho I, are buried here. The monastery was also one of the best ecclesiastical schools in medieval Portugal, and was where Saint Anthony of Padua (or Saint Anthony of Lisbon) studied Latin and Theology. Reportedly, Luis de Camões studied there too.

Right next to this historical city hub, there is a musical oasis, Salão Brazil, one of my favorite concert venues in Coimbra. I have made several drawings there, and have published one of them here.

Interior of the New Cathedral of Coimbra. Tiles from the 17th century and holy water sink.

One can read "Please do not talk in the church", a detail inside the New Cathedral of Coimbra. The Cathedral started to be built in 1598.  I felt the need to photograph this, in contrast to the smashing magnificence of this church.

Besides all that, in the 20th century, and during almost 30 years (from the 40's to the early 70's), the Alta district was largely refurbished. The biggest national names in the arts scene were called to participate, and forever mark this city's identity. 

Top-notch painters, sculptures and architects carried out an urbanist revolution here.

Almada Negreiros, Leopoldo de Almeida, Cottinelli Telmo, Cristino da Silva, and many others, were some of the major figures involved.

Salvador Barata Feyo's sculptures (from 1951) at the entrance of the Letters College, with the University Palace as background. The four figures represent Demosthenes (Politics & Eloquence), Aristotle (Philosophy), Thucydides (History) and Sappho (Poetry). 

South wing of the Department of Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics dates from 1969 and it's a project from the Portuguese architect Lucínio Guia da Cruz. It is one of my favorite buildings in Coimbra! The concept, the breeziness... I absolutely love it!!

View to the Queen Elizabeth or Europe Bridge and Mondego River

On top of that, more recently, all this amazing background was enriched with contemporary architecture examples, such as Museu Machado de Castro (I wrote more about it below), and the view you have from Alta to the bridge (Engineered by António Reis and designed by Bureau d'études Greisch).

Inside the buildings, there are also pearls, like the recent Law College Auditorium done by Architect Fernando Távora.

With all this, no wonder Alta and Sofia districts are UNESCO's world Heritage!

Other points of interest inside the University, include, for instance, the Joanina Library in full Barroque style or the Fox tile.

The "Raposa" or the Fox tile

Why am I mentioning a single tile? Well, this one holds an interesting story and reveals a lot of the student life in Coimbra.

It is said that out of the hundreds of tiles existent in the University, there is only one with a fox. This tile is located in a small atrium in the way from Via Latina to Gerais.

It has a sort of a ritual associated with it. It is said that touching or kicking three times (!!) this fox tile, will help students pass their exams. This explains the lousy state the tile is in!

A fresh look to the ancient

Still in Alta de Coimbra district, is located Machado de Castro's Museum where once was, the former Bishop's Palace. Keeping and restoring the old structures, it was refurbished and expanded in 2008, with a project by the Portuguese architect Gonçalo Byrne. The building won the Piranesi Prix de Rome. 

And there are so many reasons for that! This is not a "regular" museum, since its building actually is itself a piece of live history of the genesis of the city. 

In the terrace of the museum's restaurant, Loggia.

Besides that, Loggia is the perfect spot for a sunny lunch break.

The package includes a meal with a fantastic view over the city.

A visit is worth, not only by the astonishing museum collection, as by the architecture, the location, the city view, the restaurant and the graphic design, inside. It is also an accessible museum, with special activities for such publics.

The light maneuvered as play-doh, wrapping the space and the masterpieces.

A witty light design

This museum, is a great example of how architecture perfectly manipulated the light, in favor of the existent masterpieces, from the dark and massive Roman cryptoporticus, passing through the light design, to where the windows, are placed, in the newest part.  Absolutely sublime. 

Not revealing much about any museum's masterpiece, was a deliberate choice of mine. I find it all so good, that I think you should see it with your own eyes!

Inspiring calls

The time passed in Coimbra, was creative time to me.

Not only historically, but also visually, I felt like this city was having marvelous dialogues with me.

The proof is here.

Beauty in small details

The colors, the movement and the happy-go-lucky attitude

A colorful clothes-line flutters the white street

The colors, the light, the shapes and the angles

The different volumetry, height and color combo

Detail of the cloister of the New Cathedral of Coimbra

Sunset between Colleges

The elegance and the dignity of this balcony

Coverlet and pillow's fabric detail in the New Cathedral of Coimbra

Clinical Analysis, roses and a balcony. Sounds much more dulcet. And reminded me of the Saint Elizabeth's miracle, with bread transformed into roses. A religious legend of the city.

This is my city type

You guys know I can't resist a type! Wherever I looked, there was an interesting typography to photograph! Here are some of the alphabets I loved the most.

Horticultural of Coimbra

Letters College

Carlos Guimarães Lawyer

The cats street

Modern Salon Hairdresser

Street poetry

And how would it be if - besides the official typography - walls would calligraphically scream at you feelings, doubts, quotes, or sounds? That's exactly the feeling I had when I took these pics: an open book of the city's soul.

"Don't want to hear catcalls in the street"

? ? ? Why ? !!!

"Fear kills"

Bird song

A bird landed on my shoulder. What can I do?
Music follows me everywhere :)

Life (vida) Toilets (sanitários)

- Here no hazing
- If Medicine doesn't want to

Controversial or not, initiation rituals known as Praxe, make part of Coimbra's University current practice. I found funny that this "confront" about hazing, kept the black and white colors, in line with the ones in Coimbra's Academic Association logo and Coimbra's academic dresses (Batina and capa).

"What is good for garbage is good for poetry"

This one up, quotes a poem by the Brazilian Poet, Manoel de Barros. The original poem can be read here.

The obligation to produce alienates the passion to create.

The one above, is a sentence written by the Belgium philosopher Raoul Vaneigem, in his book The Decline and Fall of Work. 

Overall, these street poets made my city stroll much more fun and unexpected!

Literary Nest

Here's some facts about the Portuguese language: it's the 4th language most spoken in the world, the 3rd most spoken in Europe and the 1st most spoken in Southern hemisphere. It is spoken by 250 million people all over the world.

That being said, it's good to remind that the city that gave birth to the Portuguese language as we know it nowadays, was Coimbra!

For many centuries, Coimbra had the only Portuguese language University in the world.

It welcomed and educated several generations of thinkers, decision makers in the country, politicians, writers, philosophers, musicians and many other relevant Portuguese-speaking icons.

So, no wonder the city is also known for its literary strand.

The facade of the house where the poet Eugénio de Castro was born, in 1869.

Besides Eugénio de Castro, the city gave birth to other poets such as Sá de Miranda. And, the University of Coimbra, was a place where poets and writers from various epochs, like Luís de Camões, Antero de Quental, Almeida Garrett, Mário de Sá Carneiro, Vergílio Ferreira, Miguel Torga, Ruben A. and many others passed by, as students. 

Since Luís de Camões is considered the most important Lusophone poet, and Portugal is a country of poets itself, the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities, is in the day he died.

But exactly when (it's only known his birth year was around 1524) and where he was born (guesses include Alenquer, Coimbra, Constância, and Lisbon) is still a mystery.

His tomb is next to Vasco da Gama's, in Jerónimos Monastery, in Lisbon. (Jerónimos Monastery, Santa Cruz Monastery, Santa Engrácia Church and Batalha Monastery are all national pantheons)

Other notorious students of the University of Coimbra, include Marquis of Pombal (Head of the Portuguese Government in the 18th century, and great reformer of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake), Egas Moniz (who won the Medicine Nobel Prize) and Manuel de Arriaga (1st Portuguese President). Many musicians studied there too, but I will write a bit more about that, below.

The University & Fado Music

Coimbra is one of the Portuguese cities that has a music style and instrument of its own: Coimbra's Fado and the Coimbra Portuguese guitar. Fado music (from which Coimbra's Fado is a specific genre) is UNESCO's intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Being a lively student City, Coimbra has one of the oldest Universities in the world. It was started in 1290 in Lisbon, and then relocated in Coimbra until now, since 1537! Many Portuguese Kings were born here, and a lot of politic decisions were made inside the University too.

A student's black cape, part of the official Coimbra's Academic Dress, also used in Tunas.

These two - Fado music and the University - kept, until nowadays, a close relationship through the "Tunas" (academic musical groups) and by musician-students like Artur Paredes, Edmundo Bettencourt, António Menano, Luíz Goes, Carlos Paredes, Fernando Alvim, António Brojo, Zeca Afonso, Adriano Correia de Oliveira, Jorge Chaminé, José Cid, and many others!

Not all of them followed the Fado expression. And sure one should have in mind, that Coimbra has provided much more than this musical style.

Anyways, from the 1950's on, and as a reaction towards Salazar's dictatorship, the older Coimbra Fado approach gave place to a new movement. Musicians like Adriano Correia de Oliveira and Zeca Afonso, started to use as lyrics, classic and contemporary Portuguese poetry, having a greater focus on folk music and ballads. They totally revolutionized the music scene in Portugal. 

Grândola Vila Morena (a censorship banned song, at the time) by Zeca Afonso, was the song broadcasted in Radio Renascença, on the 25th of April of 1974 at 12:20am, and used as a code to announce the troops to move forward and make the Portuguese Carnation Revolution happen. Embracing the ideals of democracy and freedom, Zeca Afonso and his music, became a major cultural icon for generations to come.

On the other hand, Carlos Paredes's family, was already rich in elements (Artur Paredes, his dad; Gonçalo Paredes, his grandfather, and Manuel Rodrigues Paredes, his great-uncle) that mastered the Portuguese Coimbra Guitar. But he, not only soaked up all his family's and Coimbra's musical tradition, as he changed the course and the identity of Portuguese traditional music.

Adding innovative elements and his own composition style, he recorded several albums and collaborated with artists like Amália Rodrigues, Charlie Haden, Chico Buarque, or Carlos do Carmo (Latin Grammy Award winner). 

He died in 2004, but his worth remains unquestionable and his talent recognized worldwide. 

His legacy is alive, not only through his music, as through contemporary artists, that use samples of his music, and contribute to keep making the Portuguese music evolve to something continuously new, as he also did. One of my favorite examples thereof, is the song Viva! from Sam the Kid. 

And speaking about Sam the Kid, he will be the headline act of the next Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Ribbons). This is the golden moment of the year regarding Coimbra's student life, and also of Coimbra Fado. It's a huge city party, organized by the Students Commission, on the pretext of the new graduates. It includes a week full of concerts, bands, photography, poetry and stand up comedy contests, and many other activities. Take a look at this Monumental Serenade, from last year's event opening.

As the previous link proves, to this day, most of Coimbra songs' thematic is about the student life, the life in the city, the romances, and the history of Coimbra.

A popular song of this type of genre, that I must mention - because it was the inspiration for this article's title - is Balada da despedida, from Fernando Machado Soares. The lyrics say: "Coimbra tem mais encanto na hora da despedida" (something like "Coimbra has more enchant at the time of farewell". See the full lyrics translation here).  

Capital of love 

But, one the most famous Coimbra Fado music's worldwide, probably is Coimbra, sung by Amália Rodrigues.

Originally, the song made part of the movie Black Capes (1947), that was the first movie Amália starred in (She did plenty more. See here). It was a blockbuster in Portuguese Cinema, and propelled Amália to an internationally acclaimed career. The success was such, that later on, an English version of the song was made (called April in Portugal).

Great artists, like Louis Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Perez Prado, Chet Atkins, and Roberto Carlos got inspired (check the links to hear their amazing versions!), and all of them have made covers of that song.

 Unsurprisingly, Amália Rodrigues has sold over 30 million records worldwide and is still the best selling artist in Portugal. She passed away in 1999 and the country mourned deeply. Amália is so emblematic in Portuguese culture, that she is buried among the kings, in the Santa Engrácia Church (National Pantheon) in Lisbon.

The portuguese lyrics of "Coimbra" have several references to the university course, and to the romance of Inês de Castro and King Pedro I of Portugal. (Lyrics translation can be found here).

The link between this love story and this university city, lies in the fact that, that was where they both secretly used to meet, more specifically in Quinta das Lágrimas, whose name (Estate of Tears) derives from the tragic end of this story.

Back then, the hunting grounds of the royal family was Quinta das Lágrimas, where Inês de Castro was killed at the behest of King Pedro I's father (King Afonso IV, who was against the relationship). She died for love, and therefore, perpetuated herself for eternity as a heroine.

This whole story, generated a love legend and inspired many artists over centuries, to do texts and songs like Coimbra. Nowadays the property is a 5* hotel and one of its restaurants, Arcadas, has one Michelin star. For our delight, the gardens can be visited.

 There are so many good things to discover, and to say about this city. I hope you enjoyed the ride!

I have been many times to this town, and I'm looking forward for the next time I go there.

Meanwhile, Coimbra, will remain in my memory with great (en)chant.

This article is dedicated to Néné.

Dream come true (with Smoke City)

A dream made of Águas de Março (Joga Bossa)'s Banana,  London's city buildings, Beng Beng Beng, Tropical Forest, The Ocean, Devil Mood's Kiss, what we carry in a "Traveling luggage", and the Star stuff we are made of. In short, Smoke City.

The band Smoke City played in Lisbon and, this post is about this very special occasion.

In 1997, Underwater Love, outburst into the world, and got attention with the "Mermaids" Levi's commercial directed by Michel Gondry. They never stopped since then.

I was a teenager when their first single came out. Back in the days I remember thinking I had never listened to something like that. It was the contemporary music, the rhythm, the lyrics, the voice of its lead singer, Nina Miranda, and the amazing band (Chris Frank and Mark Brown) plus that  "international affair" deal - since Nina sang in three languages, English, Portuguese and French. It was unique, and marked a generation who looked for other thrills in music, with the electronics and DJing. Trip Hop was born.

 I became hooked from the beginning to this specific band, and I've been following their new releases and side projects, since then. And, along the way, this is not a detail, since most of them were having quite successful parallel work, specially Nina Miranda, whose voice was featured in many collaborations with people like Nitin Sawhney, Bebel Gilberto, Femi Kuti, Hajime Yoshizawa, Arkestra One, Les Gammas, Baaba Maal, Faze Action, Troubleman, Nação Zumbi, Toco, Jah Wabble, Earl Zinger, Seu Jorge among many others you can listen to here. Also, Mark Brown had the KV5 project and Chris Frank Da Lata (two projects where Nina sang too). Besides that, Nina and Chris did several stuff together, and later created the band Zeep.

Daughter of two visual artists (Brazilian father, Luiz Aquila and English mother, Liz Thompson-Miranda), Nina Miranda also paints, and some of her visual work is present in Smoke city's album covers (worth checking them out, see here). 

Nina Miranda is the only one remaining from the original group, and in Lisbon she presented herself with 3 other musicians about whom I'll write next.

I'm a fan of Smoke City and of Nina Miranda's work, so meeting them, being present on their rehearsal/sound check and drawing them live, moreover, on stage with them was a pleasure and a privilege! 

Nina was so eager to exchange ideas since we met and she gave me the motto, for the first drawing made, of this series. The image above is the door from the backstage to the stage of Clube Ferroviário, where the concert was. And for me this was it: a night with fireworks, colors in life, love emotion, music and lots of fun to come.

The concert started with a warm up from Pilo Adami, a musician, producer and DJ from Paraná (love that part of Brazil!) with Italian roots and based in London. He was the DJ but also played guitar and other instruments. Besides doing many things during the show, I had the feeling he also summed up a mixture of the Brazilian feel with an European touch. So I had the idea of making two Pilos, fusing in two different colors (the yellow part is made out of cellophane paper), creating a third new color, his own. I also had in mind colors that are traditionally associated with Brazil. 

At all times I think he was classy, groovy and knew what he was doing. One could say, he was the base of the band. 

He's been Nina Miranda's accomplice, the front man of Afro Samba and a member of bands like Nubiyan Twist.

Smoke City called two Portuguese musicians to play with them. 

This one is Ricardo Ayala. People might know him for his participations with Riddim Culture too. 

The major part of this drawing was made during the rehearsal where Nina and Ayala did an amazing reggae version of Underwater Love. A pity it wasn't recorded, since when the real concert took place, and they performed together that song, was much shorter. 

Ayala is a musician with Angolan roots and this drawing is about the appeal of things that come from earth and transform into fire, into creation. There's a spark in him I wanted to convey in his portrait. 

Most of the times, I am sat in the first row while drawing concerts. But this time, I was on stage, so that allowed me to draw the public too. All the persons I drew are real, were there, and inspired me very much.
The colors on the left represent the sound and the joy coming from the music performed.

Toni Clean was the other Portuguese musician playing percussion with Smoke City. He plays with Freddy Locks and One Sun Tribe too. It was so generous and humble the way he played. He was very sensitive to the group and his happiness playing was absolutely contagious! He made a difference, illuminated the music and the concert. A talented star, simple and clean. Can't wait to see him playing again :)

And finally, Nina Miranda. 

During the concert, Nina asked me to be a "Catadora de sonhos" - a Dream picker. The public would tell me their dreams, and I'd tell Nina, so that she could perform them afterwords. I loved that idea! And I was kinda comfortable with it, since dreams are so important to me, and I drew them over and over, since I can remember.

One dream I got from the audience was about a Flying Whale, so I wanted that to be on the drawing too. The red line represents the horizon line, working as the red mantle of dreams, like the one I wore during the show, that she did for me.

I wanted some element of nature (besides the whale) to be present, so I chose flowers.

Daisies represent the hippie 60's movement, peace and love themed, and Sunflowers, who loves the sun.

This drawing I've made, is a tribute and a big THANK YOU to Nina. 

To all the insomnia nights your voice could smooth. 

To the great sensibility and unique musical taste you have.

To the love for nature and joy of life you passed to me.

To the immense imaginary your made grow in my mind while listening.

To the butterflies, birds and monkeys you made my private jungle have. 

To the great artists you have made me know.

To the immense channel you opened between Tropical and European culture.

To all these intangible and deep things you've given us. 

The world is a nicer place with you Nina.

There's no possible description, whatsoever, to what I felt when I heard live themes like Flying away. It's a real testimony we move, we evolve, we are not from places, we are in places. It's human nature at its best. 

During the concert Nina sang classic songs like Underwater love and a bunch of new songs too. Refreshing to hear! Can't wait for what's next :) 

Sweets dreams are about to come, or as we say in Portuguese, Sonhos Cor de Rosa (Pink dreams).

And this one is the drawing I have made from Wilson Neves, the man behind Grooves Productions, Sound Waves Festival, and organizer of this whole Smoke City tour in Portugal that passed by Coimbra and Oporto too. 

The list of artists he represents in Portugal is quite impressive and includes artists like Smoke City & Nina Miranda, Crystal Waters, Kussondulola, Felix da Housecat, Kenny Larkin, Tiga, King Britt, and Frankie Knuckles just to name a few!

I wanted to use his hand (and not make a general portrait of him) because I felt that his greatest asset was human relations - how he made connections, how he stood firm, efficient and organized with all the things he had to do and, still, made part of the group with such a caring & empathic attitude. 

He's a former DJ that briefly passed by a Design course, so I wanted the look of the drawing to be very graphical. The music scores were my inspiration to the background lines pattern.

He was always "behind the scenes" and I felt his work deserved a mention and a drawing too. 

Well done! In the end, if it wasn't for him, none of this would've been possible! Thank you!

This was one of the most, if not, the most emotional concert where I was drawing. After all, it's not everyday one meets its favorite band and gets to do what one loves the most, with them. 

My heart is filled with joy, gratitude and colors. 

It's life and art happening and, the living proof that dreams come true!