I work in drawing and painting to explore my interest in metaphysics and theology, and my artwork reflects this interest along with imagery pulled from popular culture. My art serves as an artifact of my thoughts at the time as well as handmade human expression. I work primarily in acrylic. The versatility and convenience of acrylics allow an intuitive approach that provides instant gratification to the artist. I enjoy the quick drying time and ease of revision.
I draw inspiration from 20th century Surrealist artists like Max Ernst and Leonora Carrington, who conjured images from the subconscious allowing a glimpse into the inner life of the artist. I would like to use art as a tool to share my perspective and give viewers a glimpse into my psyche. I have devised a couple of gimmicks in the exhibition.
The Fool’s Journey consists of four compositions inspired by Pamela Colman Smith’s illustrations for the Rider-Waite Tarot. I have cut and rearranged these compositions to be viewable from four select angles or viewed head-on from either side. The work incorporates local landscapes and figures that reflect my interests in cartooning, body image, and dreams. Using The Fool, The Tower, Five of Cups, and The Magician cards, the work focuses on ones’ journey in life from ignorance to self-actualization. I want the novelty of aligning one’s view to take in each composition to leave an impression. My art is a shared experience that communicates the feelings that go into its creation.
I have painted two portraits as an example of letting the viewer see through my perspective. The subjects are my aunt Berta Z. Galvan and my friend Jose A. Esquivel, whose recent passing has weighed heavy on my mind. Using a red lens, the viewer can see how I viewed the paintings while working on them. The desaturation of the red lens reflects my incessant contemplation of mortality, and the vibrant color is meant to celebrate the vibrancy of their souls. Appropriately, I have chosen a bright paint color to compliment my portraits on the gallery wall.
As someone native to the region, I want to continue staying involved with and sharing my art with the community of South Texas from which I draw inspiration. The sights, sensations, and the people of the border permeate my work.