About Jorge Nascimento:
Bas-Relief Epoxy Upcycling Artist
What I Do.
I am an epoxy artist that incorporates components salvaged from discarded electronics into my artwork. My creations are one-of-a-kind and impossible to duplicate.
What is epoxy and how do I use it in my art?
Epoxy resin is created from two parts, a resin and a hardener. It begins as a thick liquid, which self-levels once poured. It is often used as a sealant as it creates a strong bond once hardened.
Over the years, I have created and perfected techniques that allow me to manipulate epoxy resin into artwork, adding dyes and colours and developing different shapes and textures (often layering epoxy pours to reach the desired effect). Through trial and error, I have learned how to coax epoxy to reflect my vision. I am continuously pushing the boundaries of what epoxy can do.
Each individual bas-relief can take up to 3 weeks to complete with the process of pouring, drying, setting, sanding, reapplying, and more. Additionally, I build and paint custom floating frames for each piece and finish them with a scratch resistant water based Urethane.
The Art of Epoxy.
Blowing out epoxy.
Pouring by hand.
My Story.
I began watercolour and gouache painting at the age of 7, inspired by the glorious scenery of the tropical sea and sky of Mozambique where I was born and raised. At the age of 10, I was tutored by the world-renowned Goa artist, Vamona Navelcar, and began to expand my artistic interests. Throughout my life, I have continued to pursue my artistic passion as a pass-time.
Where it all began.
From Project Manager to Full-Time Bas-Relief Artist:
Fast forward to 2020 and the pandemic when life as we knew it had changed. After being laid off from my job in March 2020, I decided to take a chance and pursue my artistic endeavours full-time. He created a studio and woodshop for himself. And he switched to commercial grade epoxy, which was a game changer. His artistic goals expanded and continued to grow.
My Inspiration
Moving to Portugal at the age of 14, I became fascinated by the architecture and bas-relief art present throughout the country. Being able to explore my parent’s native country allowed me to get inspired by the texture and flow of what he experienced. At the age of 17, I moved to Montreal, Canada where I continued to paint and explore new architecture and artworks.
Manueline Art, Tiles, & Fado.
Environmental Inspiration.
Upon entering the University of Toronto to study landscape architecture, I toured many various sites and installations throughout Ontario as part of my program. One of my most impactful memories was the studies being done to turn quarries into useful, productive lakes or parks for communities. From there I became interested in environmental issues and particularly in upcycling.
Nature Photography.
Living in the tranquil countryside of Terra Cotta, Ontario (at the edge of the Niagara Escarpment) with my wife Rayissa and our two cats Ruby and Nala, I take inspiration daily from the Credit River, the Badlands, and the nearby Terra Cotta Conservation Area.
An avid photographer from a young age, Jorge’s favourite to photograph are scenes in nature. The colour, movement, and light were his muse. He traveled through many national parks in the US and Canada and snapped thousands of photos. As he began to work more with epoxy on canvas, he started to be inspired by his photos and began to create replicas of his photos using epoxy and upcycled parts.
The hamlet of Terra Cotta in Caledon.
Upcycling
Computer Parts.
After my time at University, I began experimenting with epoxy resin and first started creating jewelry. I became intrigued with the structure and compounds of epoxy including the self-leveling characteristics and the timing. Once epoxy is poured, it has a short lifespan in which it can be manipulated before it begins to harden. It forces an artist to be focused and deliberate, with no time or room for miscalculation. At the same time, I began building computers for myself, to better understand them… and the interior parts intrigued me. There were silver and copper wires, tiny batteries in rainbow colours, circuit boards in every metallic shade including green, and more. An idea began to grow.
From Garbage Day to Upcycle.
I began noticing old computers lying around on garbage pick-up day and started taking them home to extract the components for my artwork. I soon expanded to anything electronic - old and new TVs, VCRs, radios, and more. Opening each piece was like a treasure chest. I also began exploring why these items were being thrown out and not recycled. I watched numerous documentaries on the thousands of waste sites in countries like India and Ghana where electronics are dumped. I became more determined than ever to incorporate upcycling into my art.
Interested in owning a Jorge Nascimento original? Paintings are available for purchase on the website. Appointments are encouraged to come and view the pieces and to meet the artist. If you are interested in commissioning Jorge for a custom piece, please fill out the Contact form.