Studio Visit | The Mad Lab
Studio Visit | The Mad Lab
By Jennifer Rezende
Weverson Ponte, Founder of The Mad Lab.
“Creative” is the word Weverson Ponte uses to describe himself. Born in Goias, Brazil, raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, and now residing in Norwalk, Connecticut—his forever home—Ponte is an energetic “art-preneur” whose greatest aspiration is originality. As the founder of The Mad Lab, Ponte focuses on building a community for local artists. He also creates abstract art that serves as mementos for when he needs inspiration.
The Mad Lab is Norwalk, Connecticut’s creative hub, a place where creatives from the larger community can come and be empowered to pursue their wildest visions. It’s also a place where creatives can get help and guidance with their art. Specifically, Ponte helps artists with social media and product development.
Over time, The Mad Lab evolved organically into an art gallery, too. It was necessary to have a venue for displaying artworks with the community. Ponte said, “The goal is to turn Connecticut into the art capital of the world.” Sharing the artwork with the community empowers creatives to pursue their visions and dreams.
Art exhibitions are scheduled three months in advance. Most shows start with a meeting to discuss the vision, ideas, and intent of the artists. Artists must meet the team to chat about renting out the space, and if their visions and goals align with the mission of the Mad Lab, then they can schedule and start executing their show.
As a professional artist, Ponte seeks to continuously develop his style, finding ways to grow. Finding inner peace and joy while creating gives him the inspiration to develop as a human and be a better person. For him, creating art is a way to express his emotions. When presented with a difficult challenge, he uses art as a way to take a step back and give himself time to think about the situation. Or in happier cases, art helps him celebrate small wins.
Ponte studied at Norwalk Community College, and then he transferred to Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture. Today Ponte works as an architect on the side in order to make an income while supporting himself as a full-time artist. He identifies with both occupations and remains unsure of his future direction.
Outside of The Mad Lab. Weverson Ponte (left) and Jessica Ortega (right).
Transitioning from architect to artist has been difficult at times. His frustrations within the field of architecture made him feel unsatisfied. In particular, he missed the energy of studio classes and the ability to create freely from his imagination. He explained, “In the professional world, a lot of that [freedom] was lost, and it just became a mundane routine and day to day experience.” Living in the art world and being an artist encourages him to find the independence to do and create what he wants.
Ponte has always been driven to create something big with this life — big dreams are the only ones he’s ever known. Growing up, he wanted to be famous and leave his mark on the world. Because of this, his interests and ideas were always getting bigger and better. He is still on a path to discover happiness.
Ponte’s style is currently in development as well. He likes to get inspiration from other artists who motivate and stimulate him visually. He takes certain aspects of other artists' work and combines them together to create his own original style. Ponte is still refining some of his technical skills related to illustration, drawing, and composition. “I feel like I am less of an artist and more of a vibrant colorful creator,” he said. His slogan, “Do You, Boo Boo,” is something he started to say more often when he began his journey of personal development. “In order to find peace and joy,” he explained, “I must push to be myself no matter what and to always be my most authentic and happiest self.”
Skateboarding was his first passion. One of his childhood dreams was to become a professional skateboarder. Today refurbishing skateboards for him is therapeutic.
These days, Ponte enjoys what he does however difficult the work may be. He says, “This job is a constant struggle in the best way possible.” He realized that his own personal journey to be an artist requires a lot of growth, sacrifice, and delayed gratification. This could sound bad, but he knows that his discipline will help him achieve his biggest visions in the end.
I asked Ponte if he had anything else he would like to mention or add and he invited readers to attend the Breakthrough Show on November 21st. Then he continued, “Also, for anyone who has any dreams at all to be anything, recognize that your dreams and deepest desires are achievable if you are able to work hard and plan, and never give up, and do you, boo boo.”
The Mad Lab, Norwalk, Connecticut.
Jennifer Rezende
Jennifer Rezende was born and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. During the second semester of her sophomore year at the University of New Haven, she changed her major from marine biology to visual arts. In the summer of 2019, she studied abroad in Prato, Italy, where she learned about different art techniques. Rezende learned how to use projection in order to trace an image onto paper, she used the sun to create cyanotypes, and she also assembled a camera obscura. Her artwork has been shown at the Seton Gallery on the campus of the University of New Haven. Currently a college senior, Rezende has begun to explore new techniques including acrylic pour painting, hydro dipping, animation, and embroidery.
