Identical twins Alfred and Thomas Fernandes, from Ribandar, share more than just their looks – they also possess a shared passion for art. From an early age, the twins were captivated by the creative process. With nearly 23k followers on Instagram, Alfred channels his creativity into architectural designs while Thomas finds inspiration in depicting the charm of everyday life with his growing followers of 6.5k on the app.
“When we were growing up, we constantly observed our surroundings, especially outside our home. We would sketch the cars passing by or parked along the road. Our mother nurtured this passion, starting with simple drawings of cats and mice when we were in kindergarten,” the twins recall. Recently, their work was featured on Apple’s Procreate page on Instagram, giving them significant recognition for their artistic work.
Nurturing a lifelong passion
Their enthusiasm for art was encouraged during their school years, with teachers urging them to participate in art competitions. “Our names became synonymous with art contests,” Thomas shares. “We took part in every competition and almost always secured the top two positions,” Alfred adds. However who won the first spot is playfully disputed between the twins.
The late Mario Miranda's iconic works have been a major source of inspiration for the twins. “Mario Miranda’s illustrations ignited our passion for art. As students at the Goa College of Art, we were inspired to see his success as an illustrator,” they explain. Other Indian artists like the late Ravi Paranjape, Raja Ravi Varma, and Dattaraj Kamat have also influenced their style. Additionally, the twins are drawn to Renaissance and Baroque masters such as Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo.
During their college years, they found encouragement from Fabian Gonsalves, a senior, and Rohit Chari, whose recognition of their talent further fuelled their creative pursuits. “Fabian acknowledged our work during an annual college exhibition, which motivated us even more,” Thomas recalls. The college faculty, too, provided valuable guidance to enhance their techniques.
Balancing education and creativity
Despite pursuing commerce during their higher secondary education, Alfred and Thomas impressed peers and teachers alike with their artistic skills. “Before our 12th standard farewell, we sketched profiles of all our teachers. They were so impressed that they remember us fondly even today,” Alfred shares.
The decision to pursue higher education in art was not straightforward. “After completing our higher secondary education, we were unsure about our next step. One night, an art teacher from our school days visited our home and strongly encouraged us to enroll at the Goa College of Art. It felt like a divine intervention,” they recall.
Throughout their journey, the twins have never abandoned their commitment to traditional sketching. “No matter how busy we were with assignments, we always set aside time to practice sketching. While modern devices make it easier to create art, traditional sketching on paper lays a strong foundation,” they emphasise.
Leveraging social media
For Alfred and Thomas, maintaining an active presence on social media is vital. “Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow artists to showcase their work to a wider audience and secure freelance opportunities,” they explain. They dedicate their mornings to freelance projects and reserve the afternoons for personal work, which they upload online. “We channel our moods into our work, giving it a personal touch. Our ultimate goal is to create art that resonates with viewers,” Thomas adds.
Navigating the AI threat
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) presents both challenges and opportunities for the twins. “The animation industry in India is growing, but AI tools have led to a shift towards faster production methods. This has unfortunately resulted in job losses for many artists,” they note. However, they believe AI can be a valuable tool to enhance creativity rather than replace traditional artistic effort.
Audience engagement and future aspirations
The twins draw immense satisfaction from the feedback they receive online. “Many followers tell us that our art brings them joy after a long day,” Alfred shares. Budding artists often reach out for advice, providing the twins with an opportunity to view art through different perspectives.
Looking ahead, Alfred and Thomas aspire to build a community of artists. “We plan to mentor others while continuing to learn from our peers. Remaining students of art is our goal,” they agree. They also aim to host their own art exhibition in the near future.
Overcoming criticism
The twins acknowledge that criticism is inevitable in the art world. “Constructive criticism fosters growth, but many artists give up when faced with disparaging comments. We believe that if you’re not receiving criticism, you’re not pushing your boundaries,” they argue.
Diverse opportunities in art
Alfred shares that he has worked on pre-production for films and video games, creating intricate background elements. “We also handle commissions, such as a recent music video project. With the festive season approaching, we’ve received orders for customised Christmas cards and gifts,” they share, noting that their rates start at Rs 4,000 depending on the level of detail the client demands.
Beyond art
Outside of their artistic endeavours, the twins enjoy cooking, a skill they honed during their four-year stint in Mumbai. “We especially love preparing Goan dishes, which we missed while living away from home,” they reveal.
Advice for aspiring artists
The twins urge young artists to avoid comparing themselves to others, particularly those with more experience, and to analyse a company before joining it. “Research potential employers before joining, as some companies exploit young talent, which can be demoralising,” they caution, drawing on their own experiences.
