Alex: How do you even start building a roller coaster?

Josie: Yeah, it was pretty random. I would never ride it myself, though. It was made of wood and not the safest thing. The owner wanted to use it privately, but we were like, “David, you’ll never be able to use this.” But it was a great start. 

Then I got a job at a kitesurfing school in Portugal, which is why I moved there. It paid a bit, like 50 euros a week. I lived in a van for a month and then shared a room with my coworkers. I had a great time with two girls I worked with, and we became friends quickly before I got a job at a hostel in Ericeira, where I decided to stay longer. I realized that van life was nice, but because I painted a lot, it was getting difficult without space. I painted a lot that year and discovered my love for painting large canvases. I needed either a studio or a room because sleeping between canvases was too much. It wasn’t a big van, just a small Hyundai. It was definitely too cramped to paint in the van so I spent time in Baleal on a dusty parking lot, which is now closed. I painted on the floor and people would come by, curious about what I was doing. It was good to interact with people and get positive feedback. Eventually, I got a room in Ericeira and decided to move there permanently. Still, I painted a lot because I didn’t know many people, and painting gave me peace. My flatmates encouraged me to do something with my art, so I made a list of places in Lisbon where I might exhibit. I went to Amor Records, a vinyl store and bar I thought was cool. I was so nervous when I asked if they worked with artists. The first thing the guy said was that I was bright red in the face, but he liked my stuff and let me paint a wall in their store. That was in March 2023, and everything changed from there. My roommate Elina introduced me to Enrico, who was opening Sol in Ferrel and wanted me to paint a picture. Suddenly, I was getting commissions and people were contacting me through Instagram. That year, I had a new project every month. I exhibited in galleries, painted for cafes, and got more and more commissions. It was exciting, but by the end of the year, I was a bit overwhelmed and decided to put art aside for a bit. I moved back to Hanover in January this year.

Alex: So you lived in Ericeira until then?

Josie: Exactly. I moved back in January, got two jobs, one part-time and a mini job to save money, and decided not to focus on art for a while. But then more requests started coming in, even from Germany. Restaurants, coffee roasters, and private clients were all reaching out. It was shocking but wonderful. I didn’t understand why people wanted my art, but I was extremely happy and grateful.

Alex: What exactly was surprising? That people wanted to buy your paintings or that they wanted them in their homes?

Josie: Both, really. It was strange that people were willing to pay for my art and that they wanted it in their homes. It was overwhelming and a bit frightening. I started feeling pressure because I was being paid and felt I had to meet expectations. Everything happened so fast and wasn’t planned. When I moved back to Germany, I had to figure out how to register as a freelance artist and handle self-employment. I didn’t know anyone else who was self-employed, so I had to learn everything on my own. Since May 1, I’ve been fully self-employed, practising art as my only job and it is still exciting but also still a bit overwhelming. I don’t have a clear plan, but a lot is happening.

Alex: Congrats. It sounds like Portugal had a huge impact on your art? 

Josie: I think if I had never moved to Portugal, I wouldn't be where I am now. Portugal has shaped me immensely. It's like my life is divided into chapters, and moving to Portugal was a significant one. I had never been as broke as I was in this country; the rent was so expensive, and I tried to sell art on the side. Despite the financial struggle, I was happier than ever, which was a stark contrast to my life in Germany. The beauty of Portugal, the mix of people from different countries, and the sense of community were things I hadn't experienced before. Living with people from different countries taught me so much about their cultures, like Brazilian barbecues and Ukrainian breakfast rituals. I remember my first Brazilian barbecue; it was so relaxed and communal, unlike the formal grilling sessions in Germany. One memorable incident that exemplifies the Portuguese spirit was when my car broke down at a roundabout. People immediately came to help me, pushing my car and towing it to a parking lot. A Portuguese man and a Berliner helped, and even a mechanic came to fix my car. This sense of community and willingness to help was something I hadn't experienced in Germany. I know, it was just a completely different experience. In Germany, it would have been a different story.

Alex: Most likely, haha.

Josie: I've noticed that living in Portugal has made me more relaxed and laid-back. Even now, on vacation with friends from Lisbon and my German friends, I can see the difference. People in Germany tend to complain and get irritated easily. Everything is a bit stupid. If it's too hot, it's too...this and that. In Portugal, people seem content with less and this simplicity has inspired me, even in my art. I incorporate elements like bikes, skateboards, mp3 players, and analogue things, which represent a sense of community and the idea that you don't need much to be happy. Portugal taught me that it's okay not to have a university degree or a clear plan. People accept you for who you are, and that acceptance has been really comforting.