I am a student visual artists interested in the humanities and the development of collective wisdom. I developed in an academic background with a serious push for STEM majors which led me to pursue a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. I have always been fascinated with the ocean and its poetic truth, so I wanted to work on developing offshore renewables or a self-sustained vessel, extrapolating from my experience with sailing. For a multitude of reasons I could not continue that path, having to return to my land-locked hometown, I decided to devote my time and energy to my philosophical and artistic endeavors. I realized that the scientific push that I experienced from society was nulifying my creative voice, so I decided to counter that force and explore the mediums of philosophical inquiry and subjective research (through the visual arts) on the very same topics that swayed my passions.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I have had the strongest epiphanies while travelling. I am in a constant search for the best way to live and for that reason I love meeting new people, because I think that we can all learn from each other. I love sharing ideas and reflections, just as much as I love sharing experiences. I enjoy hosting friends and sharing my appreciation for my hometown, one that I had to rediscover after moving back. There is lots to do and lots to see, but I am particularly fond of displaying the natural beauty that surrounds this city. I have always been fond of the nomadic experience and I think Couchsurfing provides the perfect platform to help fellow travellers and see the world.

Interests

I am open to talk about anything, I think there are lessons hidden in every subject.

• arts
• culture
• poetry
• photography
• philosophy
• psychology
• science
• visual arts
• adventure travel
• travel
• film
• taoism
• astrophotography
• eastern philosophy

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
I mostly listen to either indie/alternative rock, chillwave or post-rock. I like the classics and the big bands, for I mostly live for the instrumental bits of songs where you can really hear the passion of the performer. I like acoustic sets and youtube sessions. I am also fond of songs in foreign languages, that allow me to hear the voice as another instrument. Overall, I am mostly fond of individual sounds and artists that consciously defy genres. Devendra Banhart, MacDemarco, The War on Drugs, Washed Out, Sigur Ros, Radiohead.

Movies:
I like indie and experimental films. I like exploring the history of cinema and finding the jewels of the different movements. I study film and I am an aspiring documentarian, I could talk about film forever.
My favorite director is Richard Linklater for his exploration of humanity's relationship with time and his very honest and genuine productions. I like Werner Herzog's discussion on truth.

Books:
I am interested and intrigued by philosophical essays. I mostly read non-fiction but often find myself reading different classics of fiction. The Odyssey is a favorite, Shakespeare's plays hold a very special place in my heart, Lord of the Flies, 1984 and Brave New World serve as a reminder of my concerns for society, Cloud Atlas and the Tao Teh Ching bring up positive emotions on synchronicity. I am constantly reading up essays and articles that would be impossible to list.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hunted the Aurora Borealis with my father and brother for three consecutive nights. On the last night, as we were heading back to sleep, demotivated - we saw a first clearing in the sky. We parked and the light began to dance upon our eyes. I managed to get a couple of photos before my camera's battery died.

Teach, Learn, Share

I am a professional lifeguard and I also do swim instruction during the summer. Along my academic experience I have acquired a set of skills in different areas in which I can very happily assist.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can share prints of my photography as well as interesting reflections that I have come across in my travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Norway, Russian Federation, Saint Martin (French part), Scotland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Mexico, Scotland