Meet André Montano | Actor & Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with André Montano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi André, how do you think about risk?
As far as the meaning behind it all, “why are we here, what is the meaning of life?” yada, yada, etc. etc. I have always found solace in one obligatorily simple answer I came to terms with, within myself, quite some time ago; life is just the act of living. To live and truly have a life of your own, takes an immense amount of sacrifice and courage, both of which are required in progression and innovation. To risk, is a contract within oneself that is written in unbridled inner faith, uninfluenced by logic or destiny or outside distraction. To gather the past and presently make actions, within a moment, that will undoubtedly, dictate the outcomes of branches of your future. To live, to risk, to gather; in my opinion, the purpose of it all.

And as far as the risk branch of it all goes, this might be the most important ability we possess to remind us of our power with humanity. Who, what, even where would the entirety of our human existence be, without a fire in our stomachs propelling us to try and innovate in new and different ways? Without it, progression wouldn’t stand a chance, without it, I would suffer the same fate, it took a hard look, a difficult walk, a string of confusion and internal struggle, but the day I gave into my risks, the day I decided to decide and mean it, was the day the weights of my anxiety, were lifted. I can say now that my path in my own, my footsteps are those of which where I decide to land them, because I have taken it upon myself to make my belief in me, enough. To dream and reach for those aspirations, to face obstacles and risk, what seems like it all, sounds like a life I would like to be involved in. Risk puts into perspective the amount you are willing to go through to a live a day by your own means, and my days are all my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My art is a physical one, because penmanship was EASLIY my worst subject in school. I have always had an admiration for the arts, starting at a young age, I could appreciate the level of difficulty and focus it took to make something truly magical. I think my first awakening to this notion was my first conscious experience in a movie theater. I couldn’t tell you the movie, but the feelings become almost a radiation when put to memory. I can still feel the weight of the anticipation of waiting, the idea that patience brought along a reward, if you just played ball. The never-ending number of stairs and steps and doors I had to cross and then to be overtaken by the smell of the machine that in a cineplex. Fresh butter fills your nostrils as, the sounds and lights blare from the side arcade giving an illusion of chaos and bewilderment. Griping my ticket like it was a birth certificate authenticating my identity, I was about to become a part of the elite and end this line with the confirmation of a cinematic experience. I was now on the other side and here everyone seemed so happy with their decisions. It was an absolute life changer, because that’s what the movies are. a place to be confirmed. A threshold to escape a reality and become a part of a new one. I was hooked, lined, sunk. I had to know how to make this power, one that was my own. Unfortunately, wanting in this life, isn’t enough, but my recognition for how I worked, became a little clearer. I express my art through my body movement, my throwing of voice, my imagination to melt my reality and be someone in an instant. I knew from that experience on, my love for art would come through an acting expression and I was 100% for it.

I believe what truly sets me apart and at the same time what excites me the most about my work and myself is my absolute hunger for it all. Not in the sense that I am starving, but in the sense that I have truly found my diet and what best it is I can digest. Id equate it to a mathematician, realizing they are meant for a life of mathematics. Of course, through study and dedication, I am sure most can achieve an understanding of the subject, but there are those that just, from the jump, understand the language that is being presented to them on an entirely different level and you know exactly what I mean in that. Some just have a natural affinity towards subjects, for me, I feel acting, and modeling are these callings.

The biggest thing I want to be known for in all of this, is that I will always give it my all. Whether that mean more dedication towards a role, a subject, the mannerisms, the inflections of voice, I want to be known for my absolute work in it all. I really enjoy the challenges and philosophies that come up in the taking of a role or a shoot. For modeling, I take every shoot as an opportunity to become a character within this fashion world. And as I describe this all, please also understand that this excitement and tenacity also comes with an appropriation of both time and place. By no means at any point would I allow my energy to derail or defer a project, in fact, I do well to observe and take note in a manner out of the way. And in that, the amount of life moments you get when you remove all outside distraction and can focus on the work at hand has created in me a stillness I chase. there is a level of calm and peace when it all culminates together, and art is truly made in motion. What I am excited for is to hopefully bring a level of admiration and passion to the field that inspires others to step into their prowess’s. I take this all seriously, the notoriety I could care less about. the masterful pieces of work I can put my name on and make for the better, now that’s what keeps me up at night with excitement. Even now, just thinking of all of the amazing things that can be done within telling a story, jubilates me greatly! I want to be one of the great story tellers/ portrayers, of our generation and hopefully in that, use my career to inspire future generations, to come.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If you’re a friend of mine, then we probably share the same affinity for nature and the outdoors. So, in that, my weeklong destination might be a little less vacation relaxing, and more soul rejuvenating because my favorite place to visit in ‘Pilgrim Pines Camp’. Located In Yucaipa, CA ‘Pilgrim Pines Camp’ is youth ministry outdoors camp, that changed me for the better. As both a camper and eventual counselor, the camp provided a getaway haven to recharge my soul’s batteries. The space itself is a mountain setting, high above city influence and nestled just off, out of the way in a crisp, beautiful nature setting. the cabins are all indoors, but the events and learning all happen out and about in a safe, expression free environment. I have always described the camp as a transformation camp. A place that helps the youth come to terms with it all, whether that be confusion or hardships of life or what have you. Through teachings, or music or art or hiking or dancing etc.; Pilgrim Pines, in a very no invasive way, gives young children options on how to deal and be free in their own understandings. It was a place that helped me with my young anger and accepted me in all my facets. And then the eventuality of becoming a counselor, only brought up more rewards in learning to care for others and a group of others, to be reliable and solid. I was lucky enough to have had the opportunity to counsel men and women with special disabilities and learn the abundant blessing that is to work with such incredible individuals. The entire camp provides just an easement and tranquility, I have yet to find anywhere else. It is a place that accepts you from day one, as a new member of its household. Just a top to bottom awesome place!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Without a doubt, I am a man made from the influences and sacrifices of others. And whereas, sure there are times I am my own support system, without the attention and care from my friends and family along the way, I couldn’t hope to hold a flame to who I have become, today. There are countless amounts of names, titles, even passer by-ers, I consider to be instrumental in the making of all of this. But more so, I’d like to thank all of the difficult and challenging times, as well. I have a great amount of gratitude towards the positivity in my life, something I try and express to these individuals or groups of people on a check-in, weekly basis. People like my benevolent Grandmother, who has been my inspiration, mentor, rock, person, friend, challenger and all around most important impact I am so blessed to be graced with, she is my lifeline and risked a great deal, making sure I was not forgotten in the fold. I am only able to stand today, because of her, truly my blessing. But even she would remind me to give notice and stock to all of the things that lead me to admire and appreciate all of life. Her and I used to have a little saying kind of along the lines of “How can one truly know a sunny day, without a gloomy one?” She is my teacher of life, bestowing lessons, taking my learning experience in stride and having the patience to learn along with me. Through trials, turmoil, through the crudest parts of life, she remained and stood strong and served as an idol to aspire to. So, my biggest shoot-outs go to my giving tree of a grandmother, Alexis Solomon and to the hardships of life, she helped me face, overcome and appreciate.

Instagram: @Andremontano

Facebook: Andre Lorenzo Montano

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/PoeticDavice

Image Credits
Uriel Jay Photography (all except ‘wedding’ photo) @woodjay714 Kristina Davini @KristinadaviniPhotography Wedding photographer