Eduardo Valdetaro
Eduardo Valdetaro is in an artist based in Registro, Brazil
Eduardo Valdetaro is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22
Eduardo Valdetaro (1979, Singapore).
Lives and works in Registro, Brazil. Visual artist and organic agroforestry farmer. He developed his artistic and farming practices influenced by a sense of belonging in nature and the healing of the soul. Among the forests of Vale do Ribeira he planted his agroforest with over 30,000 varied plant species, creating a new forest home to wildlife.
In the field of art, he has dedicated himself since 2016 to ceramics production, exclusively through the technique of coiling and further experimentations with metal. In his most recent work, he pays tribute to ancient trees destroyed by man for material gain, and contemplates the wealth of wisdom lost through this destruction. He also delves into themes of past and future civilizations, the mysteries of outer space, celestial bodies and the underground techno scene.
Majka Tkáčiková
Curator
“The design of Eduard Valdetaro's ceramic works, which ooze tradition and respect for past worlds, is at the same time very contemporary and thus brings the intersection of today's world and the world lost by relentless human intervention. Through the works, the ancient wisdom of nature, processed in a current visual language, speaks and creates echoes. Despite the fact that he works with such a solid material as metal, his works retain the fragility that is so deeply connected with the transience of nature's wealth through the ill-advised steps of today's society.”
ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.
How did you get started as an artist?
I began expressing myself through drawings at a young age and later went on to work as a graphic designer. However, it is only when I began modeling with clay that I found a medium where I could create the forms I imagined and truly focused on making art. Through ceramics I developed my first series called “Wisdom Lost” and soon after I would start investigating other materials. While living on the farm I learnt to weld by fixing broken farm equipment which is how metal was introduced into my work.
How would you describe your artistic approach?
I approach art with a goal to shed light on the issues and challenges of our time. Delivering my message with aesthetics and aiming to create original forms. This is very important to me.
Eduardo Valdetaro working on a project
And how about what inspires you?
My inspiration comes from many sources. To name a few: nature and wildlife, my past experiences (good and bad), human behavior and disorders, celestial bodies and the mysteries of outer space, ancient and future civilizations, light and shadow, and the underground techno scene.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?
I have two constant and recurring challenges. First comes with an objective to push the boundaries of art and materials and produce original works. The second challenge is in regard to technique. I am self-taught in all techniques I use, and I enjoy the challenges of learning this way. However, the forms I create are often complex and test the limits of the materials I use. This results in many challenges during production.
Eduardo Valdetaro’s studio
Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.
A typical day in the studio starts early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. First, I meticulously draw and plan each work, thinking on all the steps and challenges I may encounter during production. Once the finished work is clear in my mind and all stages of the construction well thought out, I begin each build with a focus on detail and overall finish. At the end of each day, I clean the studio and tidy up.
Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?
I am always looking at opportunities with new materials and learning new skills. At the moment, I am researching glass and bronze. For the latter, I have built a foundry oven and all required tools. Next step is to learn how to make casting moulds.
What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?
I am currently working on two projects which involve a video performance alongside the final art pieces themselves.
How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?
Making art requires a lot of time, effort, dedication and persistence so to gain recognition from such a great community and platform as ArtConnect means a lot to me. It validates the countless hours I have poured into my work and only makes me strive to produce more.
See more of Eduardo Valdetaro’s work
