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Art has an incredible power to transform emotions and experiences, and few understand this better than renowned artist Fernando Porras. His latest works, which can be seen in the local gallery Mirror Ball, are not just visually stunning but an invitation into the depths of his journey through life as a global citizen. Not surprisingly, his journey has led him into storytelling, with a new illustrated novel that begins in a town similar to Tryon. 

Porras was born in Maturín, Venezuela, and was often introduced by his father, a local doctor, as “that boy who paints and draws all day long.” He began studying Architecture at the University of Florida in the early 80s, but the Venezuelan financial crisis in 1984 led him to return to Venezuela, where he formed a significant bond with the Guarauno people and other indigenous groups of the Orinoco and Amazon river basins. He eventually took his art skills to advertising and was art director for the advertising agencies Young & Rubicam and Ogilvy & Mather. 

However, a transformative experience with a group of Indigenous children who had never seen a pencil inspired him to document their culture through art, turning his drawings into oil paintings that raised awareness of their plight. After earning a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from Radford University, studying under watercolor master Z.L. Feng, he taught art at Concord University in West Virginia, where he prepared his first exhibit.

His major solo show, “Children of the Rainforest,” at Noel Gallery in Charlotte in 1999, featured his “Hidden Series.” Seventeen of eighteen works sold in just forty minutes, and the last piece, a three-panel, seven by nine-foot oil on canvas, was purchased the following morning. Now, he has evolved into a storyteller, author, illustrator and some may say tour guide with a new children’s book, Porta Magicae. 

 

The Magic Behind Porta Magicae

 

Two creative forces have united to embark on an extraordinary adventure that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Porras and Allie Snyder, Program Coordinator at Polk County Public Libraries, have joined hands to craft a captivating children’s book series, Porta Magicae. Since their move to Tryon in 2022, this duo has been busy developing this project to bridge cultural divides and inspire young minds.

The genesis of Porta Magicae is shrouded in an inspiring tale. Fernando and Allie discovered a tattered journal in an antique shop that sparked a quest for a magical door—“Porta Magicae.” This serendipitous find propelled them on a global journey, exploring the stories and cultures of the world, akin to a modern-day treasure hunt filled with creativity and imagination. 

“Once upon a time, a writer and a painter teamed up on a quest to find a magic door,” they recount, embracing lore that entwines adventure with artistic expression. At the heart of Porta Magicae lies a powerful vision: to illustrate adventure stories that encourage children to appreciate cultural diversity. 

“Growing up, my education was rich with friends from all over the world,” Fernando reflects. “Now, in a world increasingly divided, our stories aim to reveal that the more we learn about one another, the richer our lives become.” 

Each book in the series is designed to transport young readers through a magic door, introducing them to unique cultures and shared experiences across time and space.

The ambitious project is not just about storytelling—it is a methodical embrace of narratives that span every corner of the globe. Fernando and Allie aspire to create educational yet entertaining tales where learning becomes a delightful journey. For instance, their upcoming book about Rome is crafted not just for children but can serve as a resource in art history classes.

The narrative of Porta Magicae is a mosaic of tales collected during their travels. “I am a collector of memories,” Fernando says, emphasizing how each encounter shapes their stories—from a coffee grower in Colombia reminiscing about childhood games to children in Brazil improvising art under a cardboard shelter during a rain shower. This collective authorship fosters a deep connection to the places they visit and their inhabitants.

“Our support team includes a diverse group of creatives from around the world,” Allie adds, highlighting their collaborative process. Ideas can sprout in Mexico City, be developed in Tryon, illustrated in Pune, and shared worldwide, all in real time. It’s a unique approach that speaks to a globalized world where creativity knows no bounds.

The Porta Magicae Project thrives on immersive research, often visiting locations tied to their stories. “We engage with locals, take thousands of photographs, and paint watercolors to truly capture the essence of each place,” Fernando explains. This hands-on approach enriches their storytelling and ensures authenticity that both children and collectors can appreciate.

They have also established a sustainable model to fund their artistic endeavors without burdening their investors. “Interactive Zoom workshops and exhibitions help cover travel costs, allowing us to focus our resources on making the books,” they explain. This model allows collectors to engage with the project while supporting its heart and soul.

As they look ahead, Fernando and Allie are ready to embrace the evolving literature landscape. 

“The book industry is on the cusp of significant change,” Fernando reveals, hinting at the introduction of technology that extends beyond enhanced eBooks. The Porta Magicae team, comprising animators and app developers, is eager to be at the forefront of this revolution while remaining true to the core storytelling that connects cultures.

The duo is excited to launch a Porta Magicae website, social media pages and crowdfunding page soon, inviting the public to join them. With seven stories in production, they aim to share the magic of storytelling and the adventures that inspire them. As they invite community engagement, they remind everyone that the elusive magic door may be closer than we think. “Have you checked your attic lately?” Fernando quips.