This time, we had the pleasure to interview the surfboard shaper trio of Momentum Shapes Alberto, Alex, and Nico from Torres Vedras, Portugal. They are the hosts of the Custom Surfboard Shaping Workshop and the Introduction to Surfboard Shaping & Repair Workshop that both take place at their studio in Torres Vedras, Portugal.
1. What is the art you make?
We are a trio of friends dedicated to the art of crafts. At the moment we are specialized in crafting custom surfboards and skateboards.
2. How did you find your way to your art?
We each found our way into the arts and crafts through different paths. When it comes to shaping, the interaction with other shapers and artists is crucial. It's just as important as watching videos, documentaries, and reading books. We've always been driven to explore various mediums to express ourselves, such as music, photography, and painting. Each of these mediums "forces" you to think differently and capture unique nuances. It's like learning a new language; it compels you to see things from another perspective.
Creating art is a war to discover new ways of thinking, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and perceiving the world around us. At the same time, it's about finding the simplest way to communicate those insights.
3. What is the reason you continue to practice your art?
The desire to make boards as a means of self-improvement and the urge to experiment have always driven us. Skateboarding, surfing, and snowboarding had a profound impact on our lives when we were young.
The culture of these environments, along with dressing style, way of thinking, and the music we listened to, laid the foundation and shaped much of who we are today. The phrase "Ride or die / Go skate or go home" has always resonated with us as, "If we're not free to do what we love and what makes us feel alive, then what's the point of being here?"
Freedom is a fundamental aspect of all board sports—it's that unique feeling of disconnect from the outside world. It's just you, the next set of waves, the next concrete wall, or the next powder line.
At a certain point in your life as an artist, you feel a need to give back what you've received culturally. It's about contributing and continuing the legacy of what made you a better person, honoring those influences and experiences. 
4. What is your personal highlight during your entire time as an artist?
Alex: Moving to Australia and shaping a board for an incredibly talented surfer, who is now one of our team riders, was a significant experience. When you hand a board to a skilled surfer who can push it to its limits and discover new features, it's incredibly rewarding. You find yourself thinking, "I didn't know you could do that with this board!" Our happiness lies in that extra centimeter or less, which can make a huge difference in terms of performance.
Alberto: When we got our first board press - I realized that anything could be made by hand.
Nico: Life itself often sets turning points, and each one becomes a kind of highlight. These moments can lead to significant changes in your art, sometimes even radical shifts. Many of these turning points were influenced by people and artists I was really close to. 
5. When do you feel most productive?
In terms of daily routines, surfing in the morning gives us an extra push and makes us feel significantly more productive. It clears our mind and creates space for new ideas. We also feel highly productive when we're diving into a new project or experimenting with something different, pushing the boundaries of what's been done before. Sometimes, during these experimental phases, you can feel a bit lost, almost forgetting the initial idea and just immersing yourself in the creative process.
6. What or who inspires you?
Alex: Gerry Lopez, Ben Aipa, Steve Lis, Ryan Lovelace - all surfboard shapers.
Alberto: Alex and Nico always push me to do more. However, I tend to confront and relate to my reality as an individual. Speaking of different artists, I would mention Daniel Humm, an American chef, and Stanisław Szukalski, a sculptor.
Nico: I find the most inspiration through the people and artists around me. If I had to name three individuals who have influenced me significantly, they would be Francis Bacon, Picasso, and Kobe Bryant.
7. In which "small" things do you find the most joy?
Alex: Surf and adrenaline.
Alberto: Watering the plants, paddling out at sunset, and enjoying a glass of wine after work.
Nico: Listening to a good album or watching a good movie.
8. Do you have a vision or goal you are working towards?
Constant experimentation—pushing the tool to the limits of what is possible, even without knowing where the endpoint might be. Apart from this, we are quite grounded individuals. Our goal is to be happy, enjoy our time doing what we love, and stay close to the people we care about. 
9. What is a life well lived for you?
A life well lived for us means having the time to do the things we want and having the opportunity to grow and change as persons. If someone were to ask us that one thing we would do for the rest of our life, it would be to avoid sticking to just one thing.
10. What do you do when you feel "stuck"?
When we feel "stuck," we usually go surfing. If that’s not possible, we try harder to push through the block.
Or we find ourself lying on the sofa, staring at a blank spot on the ceiling for hours, sometimes with music playing. We let our mind wander and trip through thoughts until inspiration strikes. 
11. How do you deal with setbacks?
When dealing with setbacks, we try to understand what went wrong and what we can learn from the experience. If something isn't meant to be, then it's simply not meant to be. We analyze the situation and aim to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. On a business level, we strive not to become too emotional or cynical about certain circumstances. We believe that if you work hard enough, success will eventually follow; if not, then it’s just part of the journey. 
12. What do you do when you feel lonely?
Alex: I go surfing.
Alberto: I call my friends.
Nico: Being in the water is always a good remedy - but I have to say I don't really struggle with loneliness. I like being by myself. 
13. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed?
Alex: Surfing?
Alberto: I might smoke a cigarette and engage in sports.
Nico: I probably would still go back in the water or read a book.
14. What is your favorite feeling?
Alex: Surfing?
Alberto: Sailing.
Nico: Equally the first good wave on a new board & good sex.
15. What is your least favorite feeling?
Alex: My least favorite feeling is when a client is not satisfied with a product, or when I'm not satisfied with my own work.
Alberto: I guess when I'm not feeling adequate or up to the task. It’s challenging when I don’t meet my own expectations, and I have to ask for help.
Nico: Probably when I've been working on a project for a while and I'm unsure if it's performing as it should, or when I doubt whether it will be understood as intended. 
16. What are you most afraid of?
As mentioned earlier, our greatest fear is that our work might not be understood. We do worry about creating something that could be perceived as out of style or simply "too odd" by most people. It’s about finding that sweet spot where the "never seen before" is also appreciated. 
17. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Alex: Whiskey in the Jar - Metallica.
Alberto: If 6 was 9 - Jimi Hendrix.
Nico: All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix.
18. Your favorite guilty pleasure?
Alex: I guess surfing is not a guilty pleasure, right?
Alberto: Overcooking pasta.
Nico: Eating chocolate, especially if it's the salty one with almonds.....................
Thanks for taking your time to answer all of our questions.
If you wanna meet and create with Alberto, Alex, and Nico in real life, make sure to book one spot of their upcoming Custom Surfboard Shaping Workshops and/or the Introduction to Surfboard Shaping & Repair Workshops in Torres Vedras, Portugal!
Hasta la próxima!
Kat and Team subcultours