Recognition, Persistence, and Artistic Growth
Being selected as a finalist for Wildlife Artist of the Year in both 2024 and 2026 has been deeply meaningful to me, particularly because there were many years when I continued working without much encouragement or any real indication that an artistic career would be possible.
After experiencing many rejections and closed doors in Portugal, it was easy to question whether my work would ever find its place. These moments of recognition did not create my belief in the work, but they confirmed that the persistence behind it had not been meaningless.
In 2024, becoming a finalist for Wildlife Artist of the Year with Yellow Frogscape was an important turning point. It showed me that my work could communicate beyond my immediate surroundings and find a place within an international context.
Being selected again in 2026, this time with Into the Leaves, made the experience even more significant. It suggested that the first recognition had not been an isolated moment. More importantly, it showed me that the quieter and more contemplative direction my work was taking could also connect with people.
Other milestones followed. Yellow Frogscape received second prize from International Artist Magazine and was later featured on the cover of the magazine. Opportunities like these helped introduce my practice to audiences beyond my immediate artistic circle and gave greater visibility to work that had often been created quietly and without much external attention.
Recognition has certainly given me confidence, but it has also increased my sense of responsibility as an artist. Rather than encouraging me to repeat what has already been successful, it pushes me to continue developing, questioning and exploring new directions.
I do not see awards as the ultimate purpose of making art. Their greatest value lies in the opportunities they create, the visibility they bring to years of largely unseen work, and the reassurance that a deeply personal artistic language can still reach people across different countries, cultures and backgrounds.
