Meet Wesley Guimarães | Actor & Creative Director

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

Hi Wesley, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I think risk-taking is the fuel behind any serious creative pursuit. When I look at the state of the world right now, I am even more certain that being an artist in times like these is intrinsically a monumental risk. During the age of mass production and consumption, existing as artists and artisans is, to me, an extraordinary leap of faith.

I choose to hold on to that feeling. I think it is quite poetic to go through life with the malleability and willingness to constantly be face-to-face with the unknown. That curiosity and openness to taking risks is a driving force behind my creative work. I do not think I could do what I do if I weren’t comfortable with risking failure. And that is fundamental to craft, isn’t it? Finding the balance between leading a sustainable creative career, in which you operate as a business, and a rich, fulfilling artistic life is perhaps the biggest experiment of my life so far.

And when my purpose is clear and my moral compass is set, I find it easier to navigate the risky pathways of a creative career because my choices become more intentional, more substantial, and ultimately more truthful. That is when risks become fuel, and I am terribly addicted to that.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
You know how in Game of Thrones they declare a king “The First of His Name” when they ascend the throne? That is sort of how I’ve felt all my life. I am the first of many things when it comes to my name: the first to go to and finish college, the first to move abroad, the first to become an artist, and perhaps the first able to thrive within the novelty of all of that.

My path to art has always been puzzling and sinuous. I wish I could say that I have always known I wanted to be an artist or that becoming an actor had always been a dream of mine growing up. But back then, I was never able to afford that dream or fund that desire. If you asked 10-year-old me what he wanted to be when he grew up, he’d probably say “rich”—and I’m not even there yet! But I’d say theatre saved my life and if it weren’t for the communities I’ve found in it, Lord knows where I’d be.

The journey to becoming the artist that I am today has been one of many challenges and real sacrifice. My unconditional devotion to my craft and artistry is substantiated by a real sense of how much all of this has cost me. Years away from family, not growing up in my home country… but all of that fills my creative well; to know that I stand able to do what I do because of the enormous work and effort of the generations that came before me.

I draw a lot of strength from this sense of sacrificial devotion. My work as an artist is to uplift the stories, the fables, the myths, and the truths underneath my journey. I am confident that if you were to roll the dice on my story again, it would be nothing like this one. I’ve come to terms with how miraculous my path has been and my work is now to uplift it; to amplify other miraculous stories, narratives that defy the limits of what is and isn’t possible. I am drawn to characters who refuse to be contained within borders, labels and limits. Like myself!

Cause let me tell ya: from Downtown Rio (shoutout!) to Los Angeles, man… that’s a long way. I suppose the art that I make is about investigating all the little steps and stops along the way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Though I am relatively new to LA, I’m sure my best friend would be in for a treat! To start the day, I’d take them for a stroll around Larchmont Village and make sure to grab a pastry and some good coffee at Suá, followed by a walk around the neighborhood to get our steps in. Speaking of which, I think a hike to the Wisdom Tree is a must if they’re up for the steep climb—the view is worth it.

Next stop is definitely Bossa Nova on Sunset for a nice Brazilian meal and a cold beer. I’d insist they eat as many of their Pão de Queijo as they can handle.

Oh! I’d also play a game I always win with them! It’s called “every time you see a Salt & Straw, you must go in and get some ice cream.” I’m like a hall-of-famer at that one already. Same with Leo’s Food Truck! A must!

Now, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t take them to see some art in town. If we time it right, we could catch a play each night! I’m currently rehearsing a show at the Fountain Theater called I, Daniel Blake, which will open on October 13, so I’d take them to see that. You all are invited, by the way! Then we’d visit the Geffen Playhouse and enjoy Jazz at LACMA, also favorites of mine. I love the Getty Villa and any excuse to be near the beach in Malibu, so that’s a spot I wouldn’t miss either.

And then, for a nightcap, I’d probably stop by the Edmon with them on the way home for the cocktails and, most importantly, the 1920s art deco ambiance.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I must shoutout one person, I couldn’t think of anyone else but my beautiful mother, Maria Ines. She deserves so much credit for my journey and success. I couldn’t have done it without her unwavering courage, love, kindness and wisdom in face of adversity. I love how every time I see improvisation listed as a skill on my resume, I think of her instead of the years of Fine Arts training.

As a single mother, a black woman and a hall-of-famer great person, she taught me so much about improvising and figuring things out as they come. She’s also modelled such a beautiful tender way of leadership at home, teaching me the value of honesty, responsibility, resourcefulness and independence from a very early age.

And while I feel so incredibly blessed and fortunate to have a mother like her, I think more broadly this shoutout goes beyond her. I shoutout all women like my mother: black single working loving mothers who are doing their very best to empower and uplift dreamers like me.

Website: https://www.wesguimaraes.com

Instagram: @ciaowes

Image Credits
Victor Hugo Nogueira
Ana Assis Fotografia
Andy Antezana/Andrea Careaga
Dana Pleasant/Jordan Strauss Photography