The art of collaboration: TEIAS Artísticas is infusing the area with vibrancy and creativity
– July 23, 2024 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos TEIAS Artísticas
BOTTOM (L-R): Nina Bradley (Nina Bradley Designs), Sofia Correia (Oficina Poeta Azul), Filipa Martins (Two Dogs), Catarina Swift-Metcalfe (Jewel Kat)
Nestled in the heart of Lagos’ historic old town, a unique art collective, TEIAS Artísticas (Artistic Webs), has come alive, infusing the area with vibrancy and creativity.
This innovative space is not just a gallery but a collaborative hub where several diverse artists have come together under the Association for the Promotion of Arts and Crafts.
The group shares the goals of having a permanent place to showcase their crafts, fostering a community of creative exchange, and engaging directly with patrons while pursuing their individual artistic endeavours.
The group is composed of international and local talent, featuring two English artists, Gill Goode and Nina Bradley; American Christopher Whitelaw of Oficina Poeta Azul; German Sandra Knop; and Portuguese natives Jewel Kat, Margarida Gorgulho, Romp, Sofia Correia (also of Oficina Poeta Azul), Two Dogs, and hmn.
This diverse line-up not only enriches the local artistic output but fosters a wide-ranging cultural dialogue within the space.
At TEIAS Artísticas, visitors are treated to an eclectic mix of artistic expressions. The various exhibitors display the artists’ wide range of creativity – wooden puzzles, handmade porcelain fruits, botanical jewellery, and even stone sculptures echoing the ripples of sea waves. Each artist, whether they specialise in watercolour paintings, eco-friendly cosmetics, or linocut prints, draws profound inspiration from the Algarve’s rich landscape and local materials, embodying a deep commitment to sustainability.
“By forming this association, we have all these people who all bring something important to the table. This alleviates the individual pressures and enhances our collective strength, making the artistic journey less solitary,” Sandra Knop revealed, adding that the members of the collective have known each other for years – some are from Lagos, others are long-time residents, and so they have crossed paths along their way as artisans.
Some have worked together in exhibitions as far back as eight years and, since then, they have met other artists and so a network, or ‘web’, was created.
For many of the artists at TEIAS Artísticas, art was not their first career. Yet, all have transitioned from creative hobbyists to full-time professionals in their crafts, driven by passion and the transformative power of art. “This is a unique project. We’re all heading in the same direction; we want to present something incredible. We no longer think individually but in favour of everyone. There is no longer an ‘I’ but a ‘we’,” Sandra stated.
Different cultures, personalities, generations, and careers mean that all of them have “a lot to learn from each other and everything works perfectly”, she adds.
Working together means they also have the opportunity to see their work critically and constructively assessed by their peers. “We try to help each other in a safe environment where we can grow. We have different ways of working, respect for each other, and it works marvellously,” Sandra said.
They produce separately but exhibit together in the showroom, which is a tranquil haven where the air is thick with creativity and the commitment to sustainability is clear – as is their love for the region in its most diverse forms. Each piece tells a story of the Algarve, its nature, and the meticulous care woven into it by its creator.
“Our space honours Portuguese heritage and gives those who visit us the chance to take a little bit of the country back home with them,” added resident artist Jewel Kat. After all, the space also works as a shop where customers can find original works from each artist.
Looking ahead, TEIAS Artísticas plans to extend its role as a creative hub by organising workshops ranging from painting to candle and soap making, where the community can engage with art in hands-on sessions led by the artists themselves.
“It will be a place where you can explore your creativity, learn a new skill, and meet the artists,” stated Jewel Kat.
As the collective continues to evolve, the potential for growth and influence is undeniable. Sandra Knop summed it up: “Being here is a privilege. We get to represent the beauty of creativity, plus people come in and tell us how lovely the shop is,” she says.
This project may , but it hopes to become to be an inspiration for artistic innovation and collaboration in Lagos for years to come, not just between artists but also with the public and local authorities.
The future looks promising for TEIAS Artísticas as they consider expanding their ‘web’ beyond the confines of the physical shop, perhaps with a mobile exhibit that travels to different venues to showcase their artistry to a broader audience.
As artists, their imagination knows no bounds. What started as a shared vision in an unused space has blossomed into a thriving artistic endeavour in just a month.
More than just an art shop, TEIAS Artísticas is a dynamic platform where creativity, collaboration, and culture converge, offering both artists and visitors alike a chance to engage deeply with the arts.
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