I lost my eyesight at the age of 14 - From a NY Magazine Stylist to an Artist in a 🇵🇹 Countryside
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- Опубликовано: 5 июл 2024
- Heather Chontos, a native of New York, has traveled to Spain, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Tanzania, France, and Portugal. When asked, she responded that after all this time, others might think she's been searching for something while traveling to all these places.
At the age of 15, on the day she regained her sight after a year of loss, she felt she regained her will to 'see.' She wanted to see as much of the world as possible. Her journey to find a place where she could truly settle down and firmly plant her feet might still be ongoing.
We bring you the story of the artist who began building her dream in the small village of Marvão, on the border of Spain and Portugal. Nobody in the village pronounces her name correctly; everyone calls her 'Maria.' Leaving behind the bustling city of New York for this unfamiliar and quiet land, she chose a life dedicated to facing her own honest and true emotions.
From waking up in the morning to going to bed at night, her story revolves around the consistency of daily work and finding her own uniqueness within work that is completely honest. Here in Marvão, where there isn't a single streetlight, the nights are illuminated by twinkling stars. Tonight, how about stepping away from the sounds of the city we live in and listening to her story in the complete silence of nature?
Timeline 🎬
00:00 Intro
00:42 Greetings
01:20 How can I become an artist
02:18 I completely lost my eyesight at the age of 14.
05:18 The biggest project I can give myself: building a house in Marvão, Portugal.
06:26 My process is that basically, if I feel like it, I'm doing it.
07:24 My temporary studio: An old mill.
08:57 I don't 'choose' colours.
09:59 Q: Do you find it difficult to explain the concept of 'abstraction'?
11:48 "Impulse is a request of the body to perform." - Cy Twombly
12:21 I don't have an artistic philosophy.
12:37 It's a matter of commitment.
13:27 Lovely Oscar 🐕🦺
13:52 The way to continue the work is purely 'Sheer will.'
15:15 Things that make my work special,
16:08 Final question: Any questions for other fellow artists?
17:59 Gifts prepared by the production team 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪
Produced by December
© 2024 December. All Rights Reserved.
#(yt:cc=on)
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Heather, I was…am so moved by this shared video. Thank you for allowing this momentary glimpse into you and your world…past and present. Your authenticity smacked me in the face…no guile, no posturing. That is an extremely attractive trait in this contrived world. Then, there is also your art which, though I had not been exposed to before, instantly spoke volumes to me with those come-hither colours dancing about without apologies! I am an 83 yr. old poet living out my final days in California. I write like I imagine you paint, free of pre-planned structure…it is so exhilarating as when not knowing the outcome completely keeps you totally present in the exact moment of each breath, each letter pouring forth from a pen with its own agenda…perhaps a pot of paint with its own needy will/direction! Isn’t it fun to be us! May your life be all that you need it to be…blessings
Thank you so much for your heartfelt message. Heather's authenticity and art have touched many, and it's wonderful to hear how deeply it resonated with you. I aimed to capture her genuine spirit and creative process, and I'm thrilled that it moved you. Wishing you all the best and many blessings. 🥰
I've been so conflicted about sharing my process throughout the years. I remember being in elementary school and sharing my process to the class only to feel as though it's lost it's value after. Now as an adult who's livelihood depends on my art, I HAVE been sharing my process and I find that it helps me think further outside the box when someone recreates my work. I'm still conflicted but I do see the positive aspects.
Your reflection on sharing your artistic process resonates deeply. It's lovely to hear that sharing your process has brought about positive outcomes, fostering creativity and new perspectives. Embracing the complexities of this journey is part of the artistic process itself. I hope you enjoy exploring and creating! 🎨✨
Loved this some much. Thank you for interviewing one of my most favourite artists and thank you Heather, for speaking so openly about your work and life! This film looks so natural, authentic - a real gem!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a pleasure to interview Heather, and I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the film. Heather's openness and authenticity are indeed special, and it was a privilege to capture that essence. Your appreciation means a lot! 🎬✨
Fun to come across this video after following you on IG. I'm an artist in NM moving to Portugal next week. Keep the art farm rolling!
That's awesome to hear you stumbled upon the video! Thanks for the support and good vibes. Wishing you the smoothest transition to Portugal. Exciting times ahead! Keep creating and spreading those artistic vibes wherever you go! Safe travels and happy art-making! 🌟✈️🎨
A simple way to be an artist… w/o angst or big story line… just being present. Very involved in her life../
Absolutely, the phrase "anyone can cook" from Ratatouille resonates deeply with me as well. It encapsulates the idea that being an artist can be accessible and straightforward, much like the joy of cooking. Embracing this simplicity can liberate us to express our creativity freely and authentically☺️👩🎨✨
Even if people copy our process they can’t achieve the same results. But is is not a right thing to do.
I am an artist too, from Porto, Portugal, and I think most important quality of an artist is being honest, in our work and in our choices, and this appears to other people ‘ s eyes.
I loved the Artist, her honesty , her works and her studio!
I totally agree with her about not sharing her process. That is why I never share or record my process even though it has become a trend on social media. The point of art making is the journey of discovering your own perspective and what works for you.
I don’t even know how I would. I’m not present when I paint so how could I? It’s a feeling. A journey for sure. Love her art and journey. Not sure how I found it but glad I did!
@@mycreativelife-renee6315 I agree. I'm totally zoned out and deep in my own inner world when I paint. It is a private experience for me and other people's presence or having all eye's on me interrupts that process for me.
@@ToyasTales exactly! Especially abstract because that is getting deep inside and can’t do that with other people watching. And explaining it is impossible. You just have to be there 😂
It's refreshing to hear your perspective on this. In a world where sharing the process has become a prevalent trend, staying true to the essence of art-making as a personal journey is essential. Each artist's path is unique, and safeguarding that individual exploration and discovery is paramount. Thanks for sharing your insight! 🎨✨
@@december.artfilms Thank you for providing us with content that highlights the artist and their creative journey!
Wow. I related to this so much. Thank you.
I was so happy to have an interview with her🥹 thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Agree. Sharing your process isn't cool...Great idea, action person/artist...
You shouldn't share your procees, or be forced to share, unless you are finished with it and ready to let it go. Your process is personal and hard fought. And its yours. I love your work and your new home is beautiful!
Thank you for your thoughtful words and understanding of the artistic process. I'm glad you enjoyed the film and appreciate the beauty of the artist's work and new home. It was truly an honour to document their journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share their story with others. Your appreciation means a lot, and I'll continue to respect and honour the artist's story in all my future projects🎬🙌
So much joy❤ thank you
Thank you for enjoying it!🥰🥰🥰
So envious of your thought environment and artwork…..I want to live with my art. It does not rule me ….. it joins me on our journey.
Your words beautifully capture the essence of the artist's journey and her intimate connection with her art. It was truly inspiring to witness and document this relationship in the film. As you describe it, her art is more than just a creation; it's a companion on her journey through life. It was an honour to capture and share their story with the world.🥰
숨은 작가들 알게 해주는 채널이라 너무 좋네요 작가님 그림 컬러감 취저에요 ❤️ + 한국어 자막이라니 🔥
꺅💓 오모나 한국어 댓글이라뇨🤗🤗 너무너무 환영합니당! 세계에 보석같은 작가님들만큼이나 귀한 한글 댓글입니다! 앞으로도 진솔한 이야기 하시는 작가님들 찾아 열심히 다녀볼게요! 자주 들려주세요🙌🙊🙌🙊
Its funny, my work looks nothing like mine, but the way she describes her process and mind set is very close to the way I process and think about how I paint and create,
It sounds like you two have a unique connection in your creative processes! It's fascinating how different styles can still share underlying principles 👩🎨✨
Even though she travelled and moved so much, she is so very american 😂
🤣🤣🤣
Oh my God! Can I work for you and live there? 😍 What a wonderful life, art, animals and place. 🙏🩵❤️💛
I would love to try to live in Portugal as well! Such a peaceful place, isn’t it?💓
@@december.artfilms and sunny! 🌸🌷🌺🌼