Apr 2004 - Issue 4

An Interview with Adriana De Barros

Name: Adriana De Barros
Location: Portugal
Firm: Silver Company
Website: scene360.com

Who was your hero when you were young?

I had some idols, like those teen idols you usually have when you are growing. Unfortunately the idol died eternally young, who is River Phoenix. I liked his acting, and had an interest in him for being different, although of course this was when I was young. He died very young (20ish), and I think the media-camouflaged his drug addiction, among other problems that may have lead to his death. Respecting the family’s wishes of course. I just thought it was unpleasantly ironic of what he wanted to express as a person publicly (vegetarian, being very active in music, traveling a lot due to his parents/growing up phase) lots of natural aspects, and environmental stuff he convincingly preached on, and then he takes drugs. It wasn’t a happy ending. Other than River, I always refused to consider myself as a fan of anyone, since I enjoy a lot in life and try not to become an enthusiastic devotee.

What are your main influences?

Life. People. Music. Cinema. Art. Literature. Simple things/banal objects. Seeing something magical to a simple detail in life. And basically my daily surroundings.

What is the first thing you remember about designing/programming?

I remember having such a hard time figuring out how to upload files online. How the process worked (at my starting phase), and how I could get my files onto my domain address. I don’t recall finding instructions on this, and asked an online friend who ended up giving me "ZERO" help on this issue. Since he said the web is complex, (he had his own site) and couldn’t teach all this in one take, or know where to begin explaining the uploading steps. So that went well, and I read books, and got some tutorials online. I think I resolved this issue from that point on, (laughs).

You’re famous for mixing many different art forms. And you’re the only designer I know, who is interested in Poetry! Do you feel blessed, being interested (and not losing) in so many art forms?

I’ve always been interested in various art forms, although my dedication in the arts started with elaborate paintings in school only when I was about 12 years old. Until then, I spent more time practicing sports and involved in other hobbies, than actual art. But once I did gain a deep appreciation, and understanding that I had some ability in certain art mediums... I’ve never stopped. I have great trouble only dedicating my time to "one" art form in life. In everything I do, I tend to expand in various disciples... that is apart of me.

In the online design community with all the web designers, I happen to agree that there aren’t many sites that focus on poetry (text version), but there are a few with visual poetry such as Born Magazine and Krening.com. I guess I’ve just done what I felt I needed to express, but initially it wasn’t easy for me to share my personal poems with viewers. Now, things have changed, and I love the interaction with viewers, and I’ve came to the conclusion that there are people whom enjoy it.
I don’t think "blessed" is what I view myself as... it’s just things I do, think, and act upon on a daily basis — my passions. If it’s a passion, than it’s difficult to lose interest, especially when I have a wide variety of mediums to chose from. I do feel blessed with the fact that friends, among other viewers, take the time to read or view my work — that in itself is very gratifying.

You’re living in Portugal. Can you tell us something about the design scene there? And can you give us your favorite three websites from Portugal with a brief description?

I’ve focused more on the international scene, because I have roots in Canada and also Portugal — I wanted to reach a larger audience worldwide. In Portugal, the Internet has been growing each year, but it only began being apart of our society and daily practice for computer users much later than the US (also only now have the prices decreased). So hopefully in the next years, there will be more Portuguese designers on the international scene, and also a great development in the local web industry. One of the main problems in Portugal on a cultural level (art, journalism, certain sports, etc.) they do not support national talents, and that does not help in encouraging young artists. It’s something I keep speaking about with many designers whom question about the present web state in Portugal; why they don’t see more Portuguese designers (from Portugal, and not Brazil), plus many other questions related to the lack or the non-existence of Portuguese sites/designers on the bigger international scene.

From the very beginning, due to some of these factors I refer above. I too felt uninterested in limiting myself only in a Portuguese language site, but rather one that everyone or most people can read. When I’d tried entering fine art events in my city, I was rarely accepted. The main problem was not just my own entry, but not being able to see other local artist showcased. Rather they would select mostly international artists from different parts of the world, and leave out the local ones. The irony is that I live in a cultural city, which should promote and help develop it’s own artists. That’s why when I encounter sites such as Australian INfront, Design is Kinky, whom constantly promote Australian design, it does make a difference for their own design community and country. I don’t really have many favorite Portuguese sites yet, but recently Portuguese designers have written to me, talking about their work. And these past few months, I’ve come across very talented web designers some from my own city and others from the rest of Portugal (which has been fabulous!). As I keep saying, I know more Portuguese language sites from Brazil than Portugal... hope this changes.

I can name one site right now that I like: www.mdodesign.com/carlos
Carlos Quiterio is from my home city, Caldas da Rainha. This is his personal portfolio site. He is a very good illustrator, and designer. I enjoy his sketches, and flash interface. His style is predominantly a grungy-skate style — contemporary, mixed with old.

You launched Scene 360 about a year ago. What does the name stand for, what do you want to achieve with this e-zine and where do you want it to be in a couple of years?

The first name for the site was going to be "16 mm production." But later changed to a last minute inspiration of "Scene 360º;" thus defining the Editing Room section, the reason behind the entire site. "360" represents a rotation, as in 360 degrees. It has to do with my analysis in the Edition room, dissecting a film, a scene, into a 360 degree turn-around...showing behind the scenes info, plus other unfamiliar characteristics to similarities, inspirations, or just coincidences. In a couple of years, I would like Scene 360 to reach a bigger audience across the globe. And also develop/improve in each section, producing quality content, upgrading the design layout, and continue to find unique and talented artists/filmmakers to profile.

Launching 360 was one of your dreams... do you have any others?

I have many. I just hope I can reach most of them. Well, I dream on writing a book one day. I have been trying to develop my writing. I’ve always had a vivid imagination, but difficulty putting my ideas onto paper. However, this year, I have overcome a big barrier in terms of writing through 360, so maybe in a few years I’ll get this book rolling.

I began a color theory project, studied color psychology for a while, and learnt a lot about colors during that time. The concept is having a flash piece, and each viewer would select their favorite color – leading them to their personality characteristics and objects that associate with their choice. I have to restart where I left off, because I definitely want to complete it. I’ve just been involved with too much, and need to sleep every so often (laugh).

I also have another project in stand-by mode. Which was completing a Modern 1st Edition Book Guide. In 1999, I had my collector book site at oceanazur.com, I had done a lot of research on how to identify collector books...since it’s frequent for a beginner or even a frequent book buyer to not know what a "number row" is on a book, and how they could determine what a first edition is. This is my literature side that I left behind to pursue Scene 360. It was wonderful to learn about collector books, and I still collect.

Aside from these projects, there are many dreams and goals that I will try my best to reach. In art, I’ve tried to accomplish most (Scene 360 was definitely one of them), I’m always writing poetry, designing, even though I wish I could do even more (smile).

Express Your Thoughts!