Today we’d like to introduce you to André Hora.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My interest in art began at a fairly early age, when I was 11-12 years old when I began taking art lessons in school in my hometown of Ilheus, Bahia. My father, who is an architect was an influence with his drawing experience using blueprints and such. This led to me taking private lessons with local artists. They helped me to develop my skills further, fuelling my fascination with art.
I was dedicated in continuing my studies, and this led to me moving farther afield – settling for a period in Rochelle, France where I studied at University and received private tutelage with painters there, and in Niort.
In 2008 I became interested in printmaking because I fell in love with the works of David Jones and Eric Gill whilst visiting art galleries in Wales in the UK. This was a pivotal moment for me because in this medium did I find my way of expression. Digital media also had the same effect on me with James Jean being an inspiration.
It was then that I started to explore the artistic facets of my culture which is why if you look at my work it’s heavily inspired by orishas and Brazilian folklore. I started looking closely to the work of my compatriots in Brazil from the northeast doing woodcut printed literature called cordel, which are a huge inspiration for me. My most popular works to date are the series of orishas (African deities) worshipped in Africa and the Americas, which have a very powerful importance in my spiritual life.
Please tell us about your art.
I use a variety of printmaking techniques. I use manual techniques such as woodcut and linoleum which give my art a homely, rustic feel reminiscent of the art of Northeast of Brazil which is close to my roots. I also use digital painting techniques which are rich in texture and colours. Whichever method I use, I start by sketching on paper the same way a filmmaker would create a storyboard.
I create art because it is an intrinsic part of who I am and what I do. I couldn’t put into words what compels me to do it – I cannot imagine doing anything else. I take inspiration from folklore , music and the world around me and the world inside of me with all its contradictions, queerness, and search for the divine.
When I speak with people who have seen or purchased my art, I am interested in their thoughts on my work, and how they are drawn to individual pieces. Emotion drives my work, and learning how my work moves people is deeply inspirational and thought provoking.
Look closer and you will find much of my heritage embedded in the pieces I create.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
Success is subjective – for me, it’s personal. While making a living may be a necessity of being an artist, I believe this can only be achieved by being in touch with people who are affected by your art. In my opinion, to be truly successful, you must be wholly dedicated and true to your own craft. The rest will follow.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
People can find me on most social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or by accessing my website directly at andrehora,com.
Feedback and interaction are important to me, and I am often overwhelmed by love and encouragement I receive by people who appreciate my work. People can support my work by sharing with their friends, spreading the word and talking to me about how they feel about my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andrehora.com
- Phone: +447768330216
- Email: andre@andrehora.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrehoraart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrehora/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrehoraart
Image Credit:
Personal photo taken by Jack Roberts
Artworks by André Hora
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