Collection: Ana Mendes, visual artist

Ana Mendes is a 46-year-old Portuguese woman living in the Algarve. She holds a degree in Nursing and is a self-taught contemporary visual artist. Art has always been a part of her essence, but it wasn't until 2019 that she began to develop new techniques as a hobby, through training, studies, and research. Since the beginning of 2023, she has dedicated herself fully to her artistic career.

Currently, Ana teaches art to primary school children, has her own studio where she creates her works, and runs her jewelry brand "Biojoias by Ana Mendes." In addition to promoting her work through social media, she has participated in several national and international exhibitions, including:

- Collective contemporary art exhibitions in the Algarve in 2022 and 2023.
- Arte Expo Algarve in 2023.
- Virtual exhibition "Women Around the World" in March 2024.
- Solo exhibition at the Museum of Sacred Art in Loulé, Algarve in April 2024.
- World Art Dubai in May 2024.
- Solo exhibition at the City Art Gallery in Lisbon in June 2024.
- Collective exhibition at The Holy Art Gallery in Amsterdam in September 2024.
- Arte Expo Algarve in September 2024.
- Permanent online exhibition at the prestigious Arca Gallery.
- Exhibitions in various hotels in the Algarve.

Ana comes from a family with an artistic tradition; her grandparents and father created art through wickerwork. Her inspiration is related to nature and the feminine essence, using colors like the blues of the Algarve and the greens of the Serra Algarvia, as well as gold, which adds a charming shine, elegance, and richness to any piece. She advocates for sustainability, reflecting this message in her work by using upcycling techniques along with mixed media and epoxy resin. The incorporation of recycled materials into her works allows for limitless creativity and helps the planet in some way. The materials she uses include recycled coffee capsules, glass, fabrics, vegetable product nets, and more. Coffee grounds are donated for plant fertilizer and also used in her works to add color and texture. Relief is a prominent feature in her creations, making physical exhibitions essential to showcase the complexity of her works.