We were lucky to catch up with Carlos Leal recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carlos, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
Definitely happy as an artist. Actor, musician and photographer, I’ve been making a living out of my art since I was 21.
Of course, the challenges are multiple, the rat race is exhausting, the anxiety for the future is always in the present and you better know how to deal with insecurity.
But it’s worth it. Being an artist means redefining every day who you are and what kind of contribution you wanna bring to this World.
Don’t take me wrong, I’m not saving lives, I’m not a doctor or a war photographer but I can choose how my art can have an impact on people and try to bring an influence for a better World.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I was a French rapper (9 albums, 5 gold records) in the 90’s. in a band called “Sens Unik”.
Then I started an acting career in Paris. Since I have won several acting awards and participate in more than 120 international productions.
Not interested in the red carpet and the glitters, I’m passionate about the craft.
I think acting gives me the key to learn about humans and their behaviors, a kind of anthropological research. Let’s be honest, human nature is fascinating.
I’ve been living in Los Angeles for 13 years now and I had the chance to realize some dreams like working with names as Al Pacino, Willem Dafoe or Ane Hathaway. I’m also very interested in the Art house movies and the independent film productions. Hollywood studios have a tendency to make movies for the masses and therefore missing the point of social or political involvement. Luckily, we do have great television shows and I’ve been working in several ones.
Since 5 years, I’m also doing photography. I had the chance to exhibit in different cities like L.A., Paris or Zurich and I won a few photography competitions. My past as a rapper has left me the desire to depict the society I live in.
My main work as a photographer is about the Homeless situation in Los Angeles and the consequences of capitalism in America.
I’m actually working on a photography book.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
As an artist, we always are seeking for recognition. And that need can be a super driver but it can also become an addiction and ruin your identity and your voice as an artist.
I started doing break dance when I was 14 years old and very early I was doing shows in front of audiences. External recognition became a real excitement for me. But as a human and an artist, trying too hard to be seen and to be loved will take you away from your mission or your purpose.
I used to be a famous artist back home in Europe and when I came to Los Angeles, I had to face the hard reality of being a mister nobody for quite a while.
So I worked on myself and I guess I’m dealing better with the problem now. But of course, as an artist, you still want to exist for the crowds. I guess the best is to find the right balance and not lose sight on your purpose.
A purpose will give you wings.
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Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I recommend three incredible books when it comes to patience, resilience and the meaning of having a purpose:
“The knight in rusty armor” by Rober Fisher
‘The untethered soul” by Michael A. Singer
“The Creative act” by Rick Rubin
When it comes to movies, I could mention so many of them but I really encourage young actors, directors to dive deeper into art house movies coming from Europe, Asia or South America.
Here three movies that I would consider masterpieces and they’re definitely
different than Hollywood blockbusters.
“Io Capitano” by Matteo Garrone
‘The Prophet” by Jaques Audiard
“It’s only the end of the World” by Xavier Dolan
Contact Info:
- Website: www.carloslealartist.com. www.carloslealpics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carloslealartist/. https://www.instagram.com/carloslealpics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carloslealactorsinger/
Image Credits
Photo 1 by Adeline Wohlwend
Photo 2 from “the TEAM” (Danish TV series”
Photo 3 by Valéry Schatz
Photo 4: my own work as a photographer. Title : “fearless”
Photo 5 : my own work as a photographer. Title : “Under Edward’s window”
Photo 6: my own work as a photographer. Title : “Oil Temple”