I am Valérie Fernandes Carreira, a 42-year-old self-taught artist, born in France to Portuguese parents. In 2011, I made the decision to return to my roots and settle permanently in Portugal, a country that has always been close to my heart.
My artistic journey began in an intimate and spontaneous way, guided by passion and the need to express deep emotions. In 2016, I held my first solo exhibition in the place that carries my family’s history — Tangil, Monção, in the district of Viana do Castelo. This moment marked the beginning of a journey rich in cultural encounters, participation in group exhibitions and artistic events that allowed me to grow and share my vision.
In 2018, I paid tribute to Portuguese firefighters through a moving solo exhibition dedicated to the courage and selflessness of these everyday heroes.
My speciality is portraits, where I find the soul and gaze of each person. I work mainly with acrylic paint and graphite pencils, techniques that allow me to explore the intensity of emotions and capture the human essence. Each work is an attempt to touch the heart of those who contemplate it, to provoke a sparkle in the eyes and to create invisible bridges between myself and the public.
I believe that art is a form of sharing, of transmitting feelings and connecting. It is through art that I fulfil myself, communicate and leave my mark on the world.