Artist: Ricardo Cavolo
Website: ricardocavolo.com
Welcome to the first in a new series of artist interviews… Over the next few weeks artist Mario Pinheiro will be bringing you a series of interviews with some stunning illustrators from across the globe. Each interview will consists of 6 questions and provide insights into the artists life, inspirations and techniques. Over to Mario…
Art, tattoos and the outcasts. Russian palaces, roots, treasure chests and skulls. Creatures with hearts (for commitment), eyes (for absorbing what’s around and exists with/in us) and fire, always fire (for passion). These stories are presented in pictures and tell us about the so called underworld, about those who live in the margins. Each element is like a special event that becomes essential to the narrative, building the character’s persona along the way. When I first saw it years ago, as maritime puppets and a book which allowed the viewer to swap heads, torsos and feet of freakish folks, I bought the ticket right away. Now, ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to welcome you to Cavolo circus!
Who?
My name is Ricardo Cavolo, and I am 30.
What?
I am someone who works painting and drawing. I don’t consider myself as an artist, I think that “artist” is a big word. And I always say: don’t call me artist… Let’s wait when I die old, and if 50 years after that there is someone speaking about my work, maybe you can call me that… But not now. I am just a worker, a hard worker whose activity is painting and drawing.
When?
My father used to paint and draw… It was his job before becoming an Art teacher. So I was born in an art studio… And then from the first day of my life I was surrounded by brushes, color paints, and my parents helping me to improve my art skills and making it funny as a game. And it was at home where I really learned to draw and painting, with my father as my personal teacher. After University I started to work in some advertisment agencies, in the art department. But I got bored and tired about advertising, and I decided to start my own project as an illustrator.
Where?
Currently I’m living in Madrid, and I work in my own house.
Why?
Painting and drawing is the best entertainment in my life… I enjoy it, and I’m able to show stories with my drawings. One of my main intentions with my work is to speak about the outsiders of our society. I want to show them to the rest of the world, and explain that they live, laugh, fall in love or suffer like us, like the “normal ” or “official” part of life.
How?
Of course, handmade. All my work is handmade. I need to do it in that way to enjoy the process… And if I enjoy it, the rest of the people will enjoy the final piece too. And it seems like handmade pieces have a human soul, some kind of a warm sensation. My work is based on traditional techniques: watercolors, color inks, acrylics, paper, wood, brushes.
Find Ricardo here:
Portfolio: ricardocavolo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ricardocavolo
Twitter: @RicardoCavolo