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Julio Rodrigues

"From the time I was very young, any and all blank paper that fell into my hands always ended up with color. I transformed trees into women, plants into animals and mixed together everything in the universe of the child. But life had me work in offices, which is a very uncomfortable for a free soul. Such is life.

"With the support of friends, I bought brushes and paint to let my colors flow onto that sacred space – the canvas.

"At first it was difficult. It seemed like a very big space for a small brush. But I continued to work at it and suddenly several years had gone by, with me always painting.

"I spent a lot of time at the Calouste Arts Center, so I could add technique to my self-taught artistic roots. I began to show my works and saw that my canvases would be acquired by people from the four corners of the world.

"I learned a lot. I opened my horizons and painted a great deal in pure, vibrant colors. But as painting became easier, my works became stronger. I began to explore other materials applied to canvas. After using a lot of paint, the moment arrived when I needed more texture.

"I experimented with sand, cords, twine, wood and stones to create textures that looked and felt good. Along that path, I discovered that my creations harmonized with environments that people idealized as their own special places at home or at work. I explored further and immersed myself in this field, dreaming together with each person about what would look best on each bare wall or space to be renewed.

"As I continued to experiment, I discovered that stone is essentially rough yet extremely harmonious in the construction of my works. It is beautiful to look at and it invites touch. I uncovered a wellspring of colors and textures, and these are my most recent creations.

"In this way, paint became a mere medium in my creations. Without it I get nowhere, but this is not enough to reach the heart of my experiments. I need many more stones along the way.

"I have works that have given me a lot of pleasure. What can I ask from life? To create… always more and more so that people in the whole world can enjoy my art.

"During my career, I have carried out special projects for hotels, residences and offices, and I have participated in exhibitions such as the II and III Salão de Artes Plásticas in the 5ª divisão de Levantamento General Alfredo Vidal. There, in 2003, I was awarded a gold medal."