Claudia Patatas, who was born in Lisbon 28 years ago and is currently working as a freelance translator and administrative at a British company, has always been fascinated by all types of visual media, especially Photography and Cinema.

Although she has never studied any of the aforementioned subjects and cannot be regarded as a professional photographer yet, she beholds herself as an amateur and artgoer who has decided to learn by herself some of the wonders related to this amazing artistic expression.

What tour de force makes her expell these epiphanies? Is there anything out there that inspires her that much? Is she here to please those who surround her by merely creating what people want her to create?
The answer is no. As Oscar Wilde so wisely stated: "A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament. Its beauty comes from the fact that the author is what he is. It has nothing to do with the fact that other people want what they want. Indeed, the moment that an artist takes notice of what other people want, and tries to supply the demand, he ceases to be an artist, and becomes a dull or an amusing craftsman, an honest or dishonest tradesman. He has no further claim to be considered as an artist." She believes that the previous quotation embodies the spirit of her work.

Although the majority of her work is born from an inner drive and passion, she still firmly believes that technical knowledge can be a great ally and help her attaining the goals she has set for herself. Nevertheless, one must underline that it is not the technic nor the camera that turn someone into a great photographer, but rather the soul behind the lens and the magical box.

Favorite writers: Nietzsche, Edgar Allan Poe, Lovecraft, Fernando Pessoa,Kafka, Euripedes, Thomas Mann, Marquis de Sade, Arthur Machen, Rimbaud and Mary Shelley.

Favorite Painters: Gustav Dore, Caspar David Friedrich, Goya and Munch

Favorite Photographers: Paulo Nozolino, Gerda Taro, Ansel Adams, Robert Capa, Sebastiao Salgado, Brassai, Peter Witkin, Eugenio Recuenco

Digital gear: Canon Eos 10D, Tamron 28-75 2.8 XR DI, Canon 28-105 3.5 USM, B+W filters, Sandisk Ultra.

35mm gear: Olympus Om1-n, Zuiko 50mm, Ilford Paper

Software: Rawshooters Premium 2006, PS CS

Studies:

Basic B&W Photography Course

First degree in Modern Languages and Literature - Course in English and German Studies;

M.A. course in Economic and Legal English Translation


Languages: Portuguese(native), English, German and Spanish

Latest artwork additions

We Want Revolution Published on: 06/03/2008

Heart And Soul Published on: 06/02/2008

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We Want Revolution Published on: 06/03/2008

Heart And Soul Published on: 06/02/2008