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Portuguese artist, Restless, is constantly immersed in the world of art, dedicating every hour to the exploration and refinement of his unique creative language. Growing up in the suburbs of Lisbon, his artistic journey began with the discovery of graffiti, which significantly influenced his artistic vision.
Today, the essence of graffiti remains an integral part of his artistic identity. His diverse range of artistic expressions, combined with his daily exploration of various media and techniques, have played a crucial role in shaping his identity as an artist, justifying the diversity of materials and styles he employs to create his pieces of carefully crafted characters representing the working fabric of society, each with its own unique story and identity.
These representations pay homage to the diversity and the importance of all of us.
GraffitiStreet
What sparked your interest in art, particularly graffiti?
Restless
I grew up seeing graffiti in my area everyday, then when I was around 10 years old I did my first piece with my older brother, after that I started drawing more and more letters because of what I saw around me, i was so curious how and why did they do it, and I think at 14 years old I started to paint with some friends and I never stopped.
GraffitiStreet
How has growing up in the suburbs of Lisbon influenced your art style and vision?
Restless
My approach on art comes from living and growing up here, I worked eight years in construction, every technique and skill I learned through those years and every experience reflects on my art, since the shaping of the pieces to the materials used, the working class represented, it is a major influence on my art and in my life.
GraffitiStreet
Can you share about any significant influences or mentors who have shaped your artistic journey?
Restless
Artists like Os gemeos, Bordalo ll, Lugosis, and Rak have been influences on my journey.
GraffitiStreet
What inspires the characters you create in your art pieces?
Restless
Everyone! I do my characters representing everyone, from the sweeper to the accountant to the firefighter, everyone inspires me.
GraffitiStreet
Could you tell us more about your unique tattooing style and its connection or differences from your street art?
Restless
My style its cartoon and I adapt it wherever to graffiti, tattoo or murals.
GraffitiStreet
How do you see the relationship between your art and the diversity of society?
Restless
I view it as an opportunity to pay homage to everyone.
GraffitiStreet
What challenges have you faced in your artistic career, and how have you overcome them?
Restless
The only challenge I have is time!
I have a full time job, tattoo, graffiti, a wife and two dogs, still I have to find time to do it.
GraffitiStreet
What inspired the creation of your carefully crafted characters and the stories they represent in your studio work?
Restless
Everyone has a story, and sometimes they come with a funny twist.
GraffitiStreet
Can you walk us through your creative process when starting a new studio piece?
Restless
I always start with the frame, mostly on wood, if I have an idea of the character I try to do the frame with some colours or some add ons that goes with it, then I build a head to fit it, and after I just go with the flow with whatever I find that I can use, that’s the fun part of it.
GraffitiStreet
How much time does it take to create them?
Restless
Since I only work on them before or after my job or on days off, each piece takes about one to two weeks.
GraffitiStreet
What message or emotions do you aim to convey through your art?
Restless
I try to represent the common person which is everyone, with the same importance, value and necessity in society, and each person is special in their own way.
GraffitiStreet
We're hyped that you've created a collection of your characters for GraffitiStreet. Can you describe the vibe?
Restless
So for Graffitistreet I created a special collection, I call it the digital era, it’s what we are living nowadays, not only professionally but also on the daily basics.
I think everyone will get the message, and as always every character comes with a little story with a funny twist.
The characters in Restless’s studio work are a reflection of the myriad of stories and experiences that shape our world. Each character is meticulously crafted to convey a specific emotion or narrative.
Be sure to check out the characters emerging from his studio for Graffitistreet very soon.
