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Soothing art: Sandra Correia explores art and mental health, creating art works with neutral tones and abstract shapes

The artist wants her work to convey a sense of calm and tranquillity

– December 2, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio

©Beatriz Maio, Open Media Group

A nurse for over 20 years, Sandra Correia has been splitting her time between health and art, two passions that in recent years have gone hand in hand in her life.

She was born in Portimão, is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and, recently, an artist. She has been interested in this area since she was a child – crafts were her favourite subject at school – but she had never developed it on a professional level until a year ago.

A collector of art books, she has always also enjoyed DIY (Do It Yourself) online pages and had an interest in decorating. Even if she only decided to start selling her work recently, her first paintings date back to 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic began.

“I’ve always loved art, museums, and painting,” she stressed. The restrictions led Sandra to explore her creative side and experiment for the first time, from paintings to textured pots. Since then, she has never stopped and now she shares her works on the Instagram page “Art Mind Studio”, an account she uses to inspire others and share a little bit of her artistic side, which was “forgotten for so many years”.

Not only does she wish to convey a sense of calm, tranquillity, and well-being to those who appreciate her paintings, but she also aims to pass on a message about mental health, since she works in psychiatry and it is something she deals with closely.

“Handicrafts can be a good hobby that works as a therapy. Exploring creativity brings benefits for mental health,” the artist emphasised, mentioning the importance of “expressing feelings and emotions, self-connection and reducing stress”, but it does not stop here. Creative work has advantages such as helping you connect with your inner self, increased concentration, and the promotion of relaxation.

Anxiety at work, caused by a long-lasting crisis in the Portuguese national health system, together with monitoring cases of burnout among colleagues and complaints from patients, led Sandra to look for a “mechanism” to deal with the pressure.

It all started with old items she had at home that she no longer identified with, so she challenged herself to give them “a new life”.

Even though Sandra created original pots that would look marvellous in any room, she preferred to dedicate herself solely to painting, discovering more techniques and realising how far her imagination could go. And so, her first painting was born, in black and white, with abstract shapes and a unique texture.

She works spontaneously and naturally with acrylic paints on canvas. “I let the idea flow, even if it comes out completely different from what I initially imagined. It doesn’t usually happen that I don’t like the result. If it does, I just repaint everything white and start again,” she shared happily. “As I never define exactly what I’m going to paint, in the end, it’s a surprise,” she confessed, adding that she uses bitumen to get the desired consistency and makes shapes with her hands or handmade K-line moulds (a rigid, ultra-light material), when she is looking for a more concrete effect. “It allows me to create textures and make singular shapes, which immediately capture anyone’s attention,” she underlined.

Currently, Sandra receives orders for paintings of all sizes and colours, but she prefers to paint in neutral colours because she believes they convey “serenity, peace and comfort”, and she identifies them with Nordic decor.

“I feel a sense of cosiness when I’m painting, it’s a very good feeling and that’s what I want people to feel,” she expressed, admitting that, from the beginning, she has had “very good feedback”, which is “gratifying”.

Even though she paints the same idea several times when asked to by clients, she constantly feels the “need to create something new”. Nature is her biggest inspiration, which is why it is possible to often identify various elements in her paintings, such as sand, waves, or flowers, “even if everyone interprets abstract art in their own way”, she emphasised, highlighting that in her Ciao Bella painting, “some people see scales, others see petals”.

Despite the fact that she has no formal artistic training, she has taken some online art and painting courses and has always kept up with trends.

“Knowing more and more has led me to paint better and to share my paintings on social media,” Sandra said, revealing that she initially began by publishing photographs of her decorative items, made with the hand-woven knotting technique, macramé.

Although for now, Sandra’s focus is solely on painting, she does not rule out the possibility of continuing to explore decorative items and investing in ceramics or moulding paste pieces, for instance.

Her main goal is to reach as many people as possible, not only by expanding her business from the virtual world to the real, by exhibiting her items in various physical spaces, as well as by creating a beginner’s course in texture painting, which she is already planning.

Follow Sandra on Instagram.

December 2, 2023
Hidden away off the beaten track, near Silves, Quinta das Maravilhas is a haven of comfort

Charming luxury in the midst of nature, Quinta das Maravilhas can be enjoyed at any time of the year

– December 2, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Pascale van Reijn

The new project by Dutch couple Jeannette den Blijker and Jordy Koningh is a sight to behold. A property next to the Arade River, in Silves, so versatile that whether you are celebrating a wedding or taking part in a team building event, the feeling of comfort and proximity to nature is inevitable.

Looking for an investment in any country, Jeannette and Jordy came across this place, which was a huge challenge from the outset and therefore a source of fascination and interest for both of them.

Since April 2022, they have been working and investing in an extensive renovation project to make this not only their “happy place” but also that of all those who visit them and are looking to socialise, relax or simply get creative. “Here, you can connect with other people or even with yourself,” Jeannette noted.

An old house and a garden that seemed abandoned have given way to rustic yet modern décor, a heated swimming pool and towering palm trees. However, its essence has not been lost, even though it is now very luxurious. The olive trees, a species native to Portugal, continue to grow, as do the reeds near the water and the walls decorated with photographs of typically Portuguese scenery remind us of the country’s history. As for the structure of the house, the owners have opted to keep the foundation, but to make it more spacious inside, which encourages cohabitation and harmony for all.

“It’s chic, but still, you are in the middle of nature. There is this cosy environment, this is a place where people can be themselves and feel at home,” underlined Jeannette when explaining that they favoured stylish amenities and therefore created outdoor showers and toilets, so that outside guests can also enjoy the property. Even though the space is large, that does not make us feel any less at home. On the contrary, its size gives everyone privacy due to the numerous rooms and the hidden corners outside. Those who stay have the pleasure of enjoying incredible days in an unparalleled atmosphere, with romantic and adventurous experiences, and the enviable view of the hills.

Be it summer or winter, Quinta das Maravilhas can be enjoyed at any time, with a fireplace in a ground-floor room overlooking the pool for the cold days. Listening to the rain, seeing the splashes on the large glass doors and coming face to face with a green backdrop gives you a feeling of cosiness and lightness. This is a place where serenity is abundant and the feeling of well-being is common to those who visit this adults-only accommodation. Its name, meaning “Farm of Marvels”, came about naturally when Jeannette and Jordy noticed a similar reaction of surprise and happiness in people when they realised that there is much more beyond the building that can be seen from the road. “They marvel at the place,” Jeannette revealed.

This is a concept that is still rarely seen in the country, where fun, serenity and, optionally, work come together. The choice of how to enjoy it for, at least, four nights is up to who rents the property, which can be adapted to different intentions, with space for various activities. Located in a quiet area with friendly neighbours, Quinta das Maravilhas is fully rented out for groups of 16, can accommodate up to 200 people, offers special services such as catering, private chef, massages or sparkling wine on arrival, and is perfectly situated for golfers, motorbikers or hikers. Any requests can be dealt with by the welcoming staff who are more than glad to help and make the stay unforgettable. “We have our contacts and can make the events memorable. Everything can be arranged under certain conditions,” Jeannette assured.

Guests have at their disposal eight double rooms on different levels of the house, which are cleaned daily, as well as two indoor lounge areas. Outside there is a bar, large grounds, a riverside walkway, a small boat and a large, wooden deck area where ceremonies can take place. “You can come for a retreat or to a party. For both, it’s very suitable and cosy”, the owner emphasised, clarifying that the intention is for people to come to “slow down, catch their breath, enjoy the scenery and the moment or come for a celebration in a pleasant space”.

Jeannette, a former classical ballet dancer, and Jordy, a kitesurfer, met at the beginning of 2021 in Holland and, since then, their relationship has continued to grow, as have their ambitions and achievements. Besides being a sportsman, industrial designer and enjoying travelling around the world, Jordy also has an entrepreneurial streak; he has already opened a kiter’s school in the Dominican Republic and owns a hotel in his home country.

“Everything with us is always fast-paced. We have the same motivation and dedication to our projects”, Jeannette recognised reflecting that, whilst Jordy is the one who “makes quick and assertive decisions”, she, on the other hand, is “more careful”, but still plenty adventurous. It was also during the Covid-19 pandemic that Jeannette met Ellen Schoonhoven, their right-hand in this challenge, whilst helping a Dutch organisation that brings people to Loulé for a retreat focused on treating their eating disorders. This experience was decisive in Jeannette’s move to Portugal and, months later, led to Jordy’s arrival. She became passionate about the country, but even more about the region, which, together with Jordy’s entrepreneurial vision, gave rise to an unrivalled project.

December 2, 2023
Mercusion is innovating the fashion industry by using organic and recycled materials

A fusion of worlds

– December 1, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Renee Joppe

Sarah Duemmel was born in East Germany, but it is in Praia da Luz that she spends her days and develops her work. She had already visited Portugal several times and lived in Lisbon before, but, in 2020, she decided to explore the South, and this is here where she intends to stay.

She did not have an easy childhood, growing up during the Cold War and in an environment where there was no freedom and life had many restrictions. She remembers watching her family struggling to live with dignity, which led her to value her autonomy and independence.

Sarah used to paint as a child – an influence that came from her father, a Rhetoric teacher who liked painting in his spare time – and when she grew up, her taste for creating evolved too; she was her own fashion designer for her prom.

As an adult, she decided to be a nurse like her mother and worked for a few years in Germany, but her passion for the arts and her desire to explore her creative side made her want to follow a different career path.

Later, she became interested in multiculturalism and studied Communications, Culture, and History, but she did not stop there – she also took a Yoga teaching course.

Her love for travelling led her to take the risk of discovering new cultures, people, and lifestyles. She visited several countries in Europe and Asia, worked as a nurse in Senegal, Africa, and even lived in Israel for five years. “These experiences teach us a lot and show us what we really need in life, they change our outlook,” Sarah reflected, revealing that when she arrived in Portugal, she gave away a lot of her belongings because she realised she “didn’t really need it”.

When she visited India, where she made several connections, she started to wonder how she could create better conditions for the locals and generate profit. Therefore, in 2018, Sarah decided to create Mercusion, an idea that had come up previously but needed investment to get off the ground.

“I started with jewellery because it’s easier to store, transport, and create at a more affordable price than clothes,” she said, emphasising that her friends in India have always been helpful. “They gave me the possibility to start Mercusion because my initial investment was not enough, so they believed in my ideas, trusted my talent, and worked in the beginning knowing that they would only get paid in a few months’ time.”

Although she felt a lot of pressure at first, her gratitude was even greater. However, it was not just Sarah who was grateful, but also the people who, with her help, saw their living conditions improve and who still work with her today. These people were the first to support her business and so, a remarkable bond was formed.

It only took a year for Sarah to sell most of the pieces from her first production, made of brass, around street markets in Germany. The success of the sales led her to set a new goal: “From then on, every year I put a certain amount on the side for something new. The following year, I focused on clothes and came out with the first shirts and skirts,” she recalled.

Mercusion grew and Sarah’s ideas went from paper to reality, eventually reaching several countries through her clients. Reducing environmental impact by minimising waste and pollution is at the top of the designer’s priorities, one of the reasons why she uses “organic, eco-conscious and recycled innovative materials” only from India and Thailand.

Much more than clothes and jewellery, Mercusion brings a different concept to the fashion industry, where the background is taken into consideration, from the materials and the amount of water wasted to the working conditions and a positive environment provided to her workers. “It’s not just about wanting to make money, but about following a work ethic and having respect for everyone and the planet.”

The name Mercusion, born from the combination of Mercury and Fusion, is inspired by the Roman god Mercury, who is not only the god of travellers but also symbolises the connection between three different worlds: the gods, humans, and death.

“At Mercusion, I try to combine different worlds and fuse them together to show people that is possible to work with each other, to be peaceful, and that we can all gain from it,” Sarah explained.

Her inspirations come from “everywhere”, and this is reflected on her logo. It was in a metro station in India that the first draft came to her mind, precisely when she looked at a shape on the ground that caught her eye. She knew she wanted a futuristic black-and-white style, but she did not know the shape until she gradually began to identify different elements she wanted to include.

The logo is also related to the god Mercury’s staff that has two wings and a pair of snakes entwined seven times, which represents rising energy and the seven chakras, according to Sarah. In the Mercusion symbol, all the lines connected “are the futuristic snakes”, in the designer’s vision, and at the top, there is the moon and the sun “symbolising the feminine and masculine energy together”.

Even though, at the moment, Mercusion production is just in India and Thailand, Sarah’s main goal is to find a country to develop a new collection with its ethnic styles every year. Another of Sarah’s dreams, aside from being able to have a part of herself in various countries, is to make a difference in India by setting up a centre where children who are orphans or from needy families can study and grow up safely.

Mercusion can be found at Carioca shop (Praia de Luz), Safari Restaurante (Portimão), Eco Store (Salema), The Hive store (Aljezur).

Follow Mercusion on Instagram.

December 1, 2023
Sisters Leila and Jasmin Chouikha’s paintings explore creativity in abstract and realistic styles

From a family of talented artists, Leila and Jasmin Chouikha paint in completely different styles, from dreamy pieces to portraits and comics

– November 30, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio

Jasmin Chouikha (left) and Leila Chouikha (right)

Born in Switzerland, Leila and Jasmin Chouikha grew up surrounded by art, in a house where the paintings and statues of their Tunisian father, a recognised photographer, painter, and sculptor, were everywhere. Unfortunately, he passed away when they were still very young, but they could feel his presence through his artworks, which made their connection to art inevitable.

“It’s in our blood,” commented Leila. The sisters recognised that their father was very talented and that his paintings look like a combination of their artwork. Their sense of imagination comes not only from their father but other relatives as well, such as their grandfather Werner and great uncles from Switzerland, as well as their uncles from Tunisia. “We come from a very artistic family,” the sisters agreed.

Sail away, by Jasmin Chouikha

They both started painting as children, just as a hobby, and as adults, they first followed other career paths: Leila, one year older than her sister, studied Hotel Management and later worked as a dealer at the Swiss Casino, whilst Jasmin was part of the entertainment crew on cruise ships around the world.

Rumphors – Angel of the Sun, Acrylic on Canvas 70 x 60cm by Leila Chouikha

Eventually the sisters opened and ran a successful cocktail bar in Switzerland for three years, where Jasmin exhibited and sold her first artworks. Although business was good, they decided it was time to try something different. “It was time for a change,” Jasmin recalled.

Lion, by Jasmin Chouikha

In 2011, her desire to go travelling and to show her daughter (only 2 years old back then) grew so strong, that she went on a trip around the world and spent a year away, where she got more inspiration from other cultures, and she then also worked with Aboriginal artists in Australia.

Zoz – Angel of Souls, Acrylic on Canvas 80 x 80cm, by Leila Chouikha

At the same time, Leila fulfilled one of her dreams. She went to Hollywood to study Method Acting, where she met famous actors like Eddie Murphy, and she worked together with Steve Railsback as her mentor. She studied hard and enjoyed celebrity events such as the Golden Globes.

Waterfall, by Jasmin Chouikha

In the meantime, Leila and Jasmin’s mother moved to Portugal. Leila came back from Hollywood to visit her mother in Lagos in 2012, after a year of learning and glamour. And so did Jasmin with her daughter when their world tour ended. The sisters never returned to Switzerland and Portugal became home.

Besides being an artist, Jasmin works as a skipper and as an interpreter. Since moving to Lagos, she has opened three different galleries.

Zoala – Spirit of the Universe, Acrylic on Canvas 100 x 80cm, by Leila Chouikha

Leila, who started ballet when she was four years old and did group dancing later, and even was a choreographer, decided to devote herself to her passion and explore Oriental dance. Portugal gave her the opportunity to do what she liked to do. As a single mum with two children, now aged 4 and 5, Leila also took up painting professionally and exploring her spiritual connection. She likes to paint outdoors. “It’s just me, all the angels and spirits around me and my painting,” she revealed, adding that she sees which colours she is going to use, but not the shapes.

Jasmin, on the other hand, chooses the place to paint, inside or outside, depending on her inspiration and, whilst Leila is spontaneous, Jasmin knows exactly what she is going to paint before she starts. Although Jasmin and Leila grew up in the same environment, full of creativity and inspiration, and have the same roots, their artworks are almost opposites. Leila does abstract paintings and Jasmin mostly follows realism and reality mixed with fantasy.

Enek – Angel of Spirit, Acrylic on Canvas 80 x 60cm, by Leila Chouikha

Their inspiration and style are very different. Leila is more into dreams and astrology; Jasmin loves exploring different techniques and transfers them into painting. She paints figurative art, portraits, landscapes, still lives and even comics. Her work has been shown in galleries all over the world.

Leila wants people to feel something, to see different things, and to enter a new world whilst looking at her paintings. With the abstract, she intends to open the imagination and make people dream. “You can see something completely different every day when you look at my paintings,” she says.

They like to paint in series – a numerologist, Leila has sequences of 12 pieces, all in different sizes. Jasmin has sets of several works sharing the same theme, with boats, western inspirations, and many others.

The sisters both paint by their own inspiration and they also take commissions. Leila and Jasmin are planning to open a new gallery in Lagos very soon but in the meantime, you can explore more of their works on social media.

Follow Leila and Jasmin.

November 30, 2023
The art of making sweet and spicy jams: Cátia Santos has created “Munchi”, an artisanal brand of “unequalled flavours”

Munchi enriches every meal with its jams, chutneys, and piri-piri sauces and sweetens the heart with its cakes

– November 29, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio

Lagos native Cátia Santos is the face behind Munchi Cozinha Criativa (Creative Kitchen), a dream that took shape in 2019 and has not stopped growing since. It all started with the desire to make use of leftover food which, together with her creativity, led to unequalled flavours.

She worked for eight years as a cook and manager at the Charming Residence & Guest House Dom Manuel I in Lagos, which gave her the opportunity to learn all the procedures, care, and good practices within a professional kitchen. It was also where she did her first experiments and received positive feedback from customers, which gave her the motivation to continue and make more and better jams.

Initially, there were just three varieties, in little jars with a handwritten label. Now there are 10, produced professionally, plus a panoply of cakes with unique flavours. “I love cooking and that people enjoy my food. That makes me happy,” she revealed, emphasising that “the flexibility of the hotel and the chance to explore the kitchen was essential” in creating her artisanal brand.

The intention of avoiding waste combined with Cátia’s natural talent for mixing ingredients meant that after tasting the jams, many people began to ask if they could be sold. “I didn’t follow a recipe, I just made it naturally,” she said, recalling how the raspberry, red pepper, and lime chutney became a favourite with customers.

From simple to more complex combinations, the artisan was fulfilling their requests and the joy of receiving orders was such that she had no doubts: she wanted to dedicate herself to Munchi and developing her jams, without being afraid to take risks. Although at first, it was “just a joke, with no intentions whatsoever”, she eventually realised that she could turn it into a business and decided to introduce Mexican jalapeños and chillies, the only ingredients that are imported, and produce spicy and smoked jams.

“I want people to have a different gastronomic experience and become more adventurous and creative in the kitchen themselves,” she admitted, adding that her aim is for consumers to use jams and chutneys not just for breakfast or snacks but at every meal, thus taking advantage of the versatility of these products that can be used in grilled or baked dishes.

As skilfulness is part of Cátia, who draws inspiration from her favourite chef Gordon Ramsay, Japanese artisan jam producer Ayako Gordon, and Portimão pastry chef Larissa Neto, who runs the US-based boutique bakery Bakey Bakes, she also decided to sell her sweets, which could not be more successful.

From the blueberry cake, with poppy seeds, lemon curd, and Swiss buttercream, to the chocolate cake with mousse, caramel, salted peanuts, and crispy rice, or the special red velvet with Philadelphia cream cheese, mascarpone, and red fruit jelly, it will be difficult to choose which one to try as they all are mouthwatering – “not too sweet, fresh and light”.

The amount of work began to be so much that, in 2022, the artisan chose to work full-time on the production and sale of her products, which resulted in Munchi’s presence in several food markets as well as partnerships in Lagos, Alvor, Salema, and Espiche. This way, her concept reaches various areas that end up expanding Cátia’s network of clients all over the world, which would not be possible without the help and support of her husband, Luís Madeira, and their friends, Rita and Pedro, her “pillars” from the creation of the brand until today.

Pedro, who is a photographer, created the labels and took care of the image and photography, and Rita, who works in Human Resources at a hotel, advised her on the financial side of things. The name Munchi was also chosen by the four of them because they believe it represents the snacks we eat, when we are not exactly hungry but have an appetite, and can be shared in a social moment.

“It takes a lot of courage and consistency to have your own business. It has been a great adventure,” she said. It is in a house belonging to her grandmother, near Bensafrim, that the artisan produces her jams, chutneys, and piri-piri condiments, in a huge kitchen and in an atmosphere that feels incredibly personal and familiar. Although the space is just for production, Cátia feels at home and follows her grandmother’s recipes, made by hand without colourings or preservatives in a place where everything is well organised (and legalised).

Working alone, she does all the planning and management, as well as cooking, selling her products, and managing Munchi’s website and social networks, skills she has acquired through her experience over the last few years and her desire to bring her flavours to more people.

“Everything is very careful, from the laboratory studies that prove the products are fit for human consumption to our concern for the environment,” explained Cátia, highlighting that she always prioritises produce from local producers to maintain the freshness and quality of her jams.

Not only does Munchi not use any plastic, but the brand also donates 1% of the online shop’s revenues to Stripe Climate, a coalition of companies that accelerate carbon removal. But it does not stop here, the carbon footprint is well controlled, and the distribution of the products is only done in electric or hybrid cars. This concern led to the creation of Munchi bags, made from 100% cotton with a Portuguese cork handle.

The products are available on the website and can also be bought in Lagos at the Levante Market, every Saturday morning, or at the Viv’o Mercado Organic Market, on Wednesday afternoons.

Follow Munchi on Instagram and Facebook.

November 29, 2023
Marie Patterson explores some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro

A tourist at home

– October 14, 2023 | Text Marie Patterson | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group

As the holiday season starts to come to an end and the heat of the summer begins to die down, I decide to kick start a quiet Sunday indulging in a sumptuous treat for the taste buds by heading to Monte Carvoeiro for brunch.

Already a renowned fine-dining restaurant, The Square by Raquel Marques has taken the concept of brunch to a whole new level.

This establishment, well known for its impeccable culinary creations, now offers an exceptionally well-priced brunch that will tantalise your senses.

We opt for Eggs Benedict and a Full English Breakfast to start and follow with sautéed prawns with mango pico de gallo and sweet chili and a couple of Mimosas which turn out to be a perfect start to the day, and extraordinarily good value.

The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, with easily available parking, and the surrounding area is generally quiet, which I find particularly appealing after the busy summer months.

In search of some sunshine and fresh air, I decide to embark on the adventure that is the trail of the Seven Suspended Valleys.

This scenic route runs from Praia de Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.

The Algarve region is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, and the Seven Suspended Valleys hike is a jewel in its crown.

I strap on my walking shoes and set off along the well-maintained trails. Throughout the hike, each valley unveils a new perspective, rewarding my efforts with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. An array of hidden coves, beaches, and captivating rock formations showcase the raw beauty of the Algarve’s coastline.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone looking for a moderate yet invigorating trek, this clifftop walk promises an immersive experience that connects you with the natural wonders of the region. The trail can be walked in either direction and took me about three hours to complete.

Combining the pleasures of a lavish brunch with the exhilaration of conquering Seven Suspended Valleys created a day that will linger in my heart and my mind, reminding me just how beautiful the Algarve is and all it has to offer.

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October 14, 2023