Flávia Ribeiro
Flávia, tell us about yourself: Who are you, where do you come from and where do you live, what do you do?
Hello! My name is Flávia Ribeiro, I was born in Bauru, Brazil, and at the age of 20 I moved to São Paulo, where I built a large part of my career. Since then I have also lived in Rio de Janeiro, Dublin and currently live in Barcelona. I am a portrait and architectural photographer and passionate about fine arts and design.
When did you first realize you were a particularly creative person?
My family is very involved with manual crafts. From my parents, who are artisans and paint very well, to my sister who is a skilled illustrator. I don't have the gift of drawing like them (although I love drawing and use it as an escape in my free time), I learned over time to express my feelings with photography. It was as if I were drawing with my eyes, with what I saw that was simplest, most subtle, but that changed my day and my perception at that moment. I have always been enchanted by the beauty of ordinary things and realizing that I could translate that into images that also welcomed other people, made me understand that there could be a path to be taken in this direction.
What other activities, fields, or professions influence your creativity?
For many years I worked with Fashion and Art Direction and photography has always been in parallel in my life due to the passion of communicating with images that represent my perspective and my point of view on the world. Therefore, for a little over 5 years I have been dedicating myself to photography, studying and practicing so that today this is my profession 100% of the time. As I have a very broad background in the area of communication, I believe that the people who have passed through my life and career have become my greatest influence and inspiration. Each work colleague I had added up and became an aggregating point in the construction of who I am today and it's a delight to know that I still have a lot to learn and add to those who are yet to come.
People, places, things. What are your biggest influences on how you live your life today?
People who are interesting and interested in others too. Places that calm and welcome. Things that connect me with my past or that can last a long, long time by my side. This is the mix of things and feelings that inspire me and influence the way I live my life lately.
How has the meaning or feeling of home changed throughout your life?
When I was younger, I loved having lots of friends over at home, having parties... My house was always busy. Since moving to Barcelona, I've preferred to leave the hustle and bustle on the street, in bars and cafes, and have my house tidy and ready for me to enjoy with the few good people.
Finally, three words that represent what you want to have or feel more of at the moment.
To dream, to believe and to smile.
Thank you, Flávia!
✿
Photography: Flávia Ribeiro.