Sofia
Caldas

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

I live in Portugal, in the municipality of Cascais and I work in the same area. It is a kind of industrial village located on the premises of an old natural stone processing workshop. I am one of the resident artists at CIAM[E], where we combine education and project development, always with natural stone as the element that unites us.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

The AVO studio in the district of Lisbon, in the municipality of Cascais, more precisely in the premises of a natural stone transformation workshop. It is in an unexpected setting surrounded by the power of stone. There are a number of other workshops in the premises and AVO is one of them.

The studio is located in an old house that once belonged to a former stone workshop worker, now transformed into a studio where magic and surprise are found in every corner. There is everything from simple hats to more exuberant things. Artistic works, pieces used in performances, materials and objects that inspire my creations. A kind of enchanted forest, as some trunks with branches spread across the walls.

Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?

At the moment, my work, in addition to custom creations, is based on my expression through the object Hat, giving it its own identity and language.

In the last year, some pieces have gained a performative extension. The hat now has an extension to my own body. A dialogue between the piece and creator. As my most important pieces, I would highlight The Nest (piece+performance), Chapeau Pour Bien Paraitre ( piece+performance), the Unwinder of Thoughts (piece+performance) and Territory I. Both have a poetic message. A testimony, a way of feeling the world.

For a few years now, I have been working on a major personal project, which I can not yet reveal, but which I would very much like to see happen during the next year!

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Cascais is located next to the coast and is bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. It has beautiful beaches and being close to the sea is always the place that energizes or relaxes me the most. Very close to Sintra, rich in a bucolic nature that really feeds my imagination!

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

In the region where I live and in Lisbon the increase in tourism has led to the local exploitation of the real estate agencies. Which, given the demand, are charging exorbitant prices. Which leads to the dismantling of old neighborhoods, where the former inhabitants who made Lisbon unique in its splendor, culture and tradition, are being evicted. Unfortunately, Lisbon is becoming a city like so many others and losing its character.

Evolution is great. Multiculturalism is wonderful! But we must respect the characteristics of each place, so that when we visit Lisbon we can experience it to the full.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

In the last five years, new infrastructures have emerged that respond to the region’s various needs. There has also been greater care for the environment and various incentives have arisen for transport options, mobility and environmental protection. On the bad side, we still have a long way to go to educate more people in this sense, to care, respect and make more sustainable choices.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

The best way to discover what is best done in Portugal is to visit Portugal Manual, which is a group of artists and artisans who value handmade products in a sustainable way, respect tradition and reinterpret it with a personal layer. AVO is one of the brands. Another beautiful space is an old natural stone processing workshop, Alfredo Antunes Flor Lda, where they work with Portuguese stone and marble with respect for tradition. Most of the work is still produced manually. It is a fascinating space to discover.

Which restaurant in your city or region is good, but perhaps not so well known?

A restaurant that I have a lot of affection for is Caçoila, in Oeiras. A family restaurant with wonderful snacks, as well as fantastic dishes.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers – whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

The A Vida Portuguesa store has only Portuguese products, handcrafted by artists and artisans who respect tradition and its legacy and keep it alive.

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

– Instagram

– Whatsapp

– Spotify

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

I follow some online like Time, Vogue, Monocle, Domus, among others, but without regularity. I like to do my own research when I feel the need. And I follow artists and people that I admire who end up inspiring me to discover new things and new perspectives.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year – what would you change?

I would invest more in Education. In the creation of professional schools that would train more young people to learn different trades that are being lost and for which there is increasing demand.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live – regardless of financial or time constrains – which one would you choose?

I have very deep roots and I can’t imagine being away from Portugal for long! But I would love to live on the French coast, Provence!