Jose Baptista is a well respected artist and sculptor, originally from Angola and now based in Newcastle. Recently, he talked to Peter Sagar about his work.
What is your background/back story?
I went to university to study Sociology, but after three years Angola was involved in a war and I joined the army. After the end of the war, I left the army.
I am a sculptor in wood, stone and ivory.
In 2000 I made the decision to move from Angola and I came here in July 2000. When I came to the UK I applied to be an asylum seeker and after two weeks, I was given leave to remain and was sent to Newcastle.
I went to Newcastle College and did a course in bricklaying. Then I started working. I worked as a care assistant for 10 years, before doing training to work for the railway company Grand Central in logistic support. After one year we lost the contract and we lost our jobs.
Following that, I started applying for jobs and I worked in Gateshead with a graphic company as a senior assistant.
And then I made the decision to work in the community, teaching art for children. My work has led me to being invited to London, Edinburgh and even France and involves supporting communities.
Two years ago I started meeting with Sirak and I began supporting the community here.
How long have you been working as a sculptor?
I have been working as a sculptor since 1982 when I was back in Angola and was about 20 years old.
Can you tell me about successes?
I have had success since working with the community and the only place I feel positive is at the community hub in Elswick. I have been invited to France, Belgium and Portugal but sometimes they don’t really know what I can do.
In a good place, I can teach kids and I want to teach our community but I need a big enough place. The place I have at the moment in Cruddas Park is too small and too cold.
Can you tell me about your plans for the future?
We are looking for a good place to work and where I can teach and demonstrate to the community how we can develop. This is not only in Newcastle, but we need enough space and in the winter it was too cold to work.
I also want to get better materials and better wood. The plan for the future is to go to other countries to buy more suitable wood for the sculptures.
Do you have any plans for exhibitions or any other initiatives? What other creative work are you involved in?
I’ve been invited to attend an event at the Baltic Art Gallery in Gateshead on the 25 April. There will be many artists there, not just me, but the people there want to respect our local community and help show what the community can do and represent what the community is doing.
Last year in both Byker and Gateshead I did something similar. In June last year I worked with Young students in Gateshead between 11 and 6 pm. There were others doing things like painting and playing instruments and it was similar in Byker and the BBC will a Baker.
I have been involved in many activities since I have been in Newcastle, but I still need a good place to work and to teach.
Why is your work important?
With everyone involved in the work you’re giving dignity to the community. If you are not working, then you are nothing in society. In the community there is the chance to work. I need to defend what I am, including my dignity, my friends and my parents.
What would be your vision of a better future for people in the North East and the country as a whole?
This is a very important question. I am so grateful to the people who have helped me. When I came to Newcastle I had no communication, no English language.
It is important that those who have been here for a while remember those who have just arrived. We can help as many people are in need of help and they need to know the reality of life in the UK.
Those who are integrated can help those who are new to the country.
We need a new place to meet as the place in Cruddas Park is crowded. It is too small and we need to encourage those who have just come here to join us. This kind of community can help the country to develop and even spread our work abroad.
Communication helps our community to go forward and people can see what we’re doing in the workshop
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I would like to say thank you for the interview. I want to say thank you to everybody who is helping us.
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