Today we’d like to introduce you to Art Garcia.
Hi Art, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Since age four, I’ve known to be imaginative. Having developed a visual language through ephemeral design early in my career, the printed plane first began to transform into three-dimensional objects with specific commercial and social narratives. Progressing into sculpture, large-scale objects are seemingly displaced from an industrial or urban environment; they are iconic, abstract representations of their community connecting through a visual sensibility. The idea of communicating without words or letters is what intrigues my process most. The shape is the didactic immediate experience, while color is the unspoken words of past experiences the viewer brings to the object. This is the approach taken today.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes and no. The aspect of the smooth road is rooted in the artistic endeavor of my existence. When I divorced and for the better part of six years there was no existence in making. While I overcame adversity during the real estate bust, then the technology bust, and finally, the recession in early 2000s. I realized I was not prepared for my personal emotional and mental instability. At the onset of considering a return to school to obtain my terminal degree, an existence began to return. That’s when Human Nature became a reality. First, as a small cast iron blue ten-inch figure name Blue/Heavy Sensation, the shape is appropriated from the male restroom sign with a circular negative space the same size as its head. The small object grew to Eleven eight-foot tall objects identified as Human Nature, Figure No. 1 through 11, speaking to our social discourse in our environment and perhaps to our individual struggles.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After college, I found employment at several design studios in the 80s and 90s. Dallas was a design mecca in Texas then, producing exquisite work rivaling studios in the rest of the United States and Europe. In 1999, Graphic Content, Inc. was formed on the basis of providing outstanding customer service, effective visual communication, and making money in that order. An award-winning studio, today our work is ten percent graphic design and 80 percent sculpture. Our public artwork practice and installations are specific to their community. Some of these works are Static Kinetic, in which the viewer is an unknowing participant. Studio sculpture is integral to our making as it allows us to experiment with various processes and exploring space with object. These works range from three inches to eight feet or slightly larger. Human Nature is a good example of these works. Teaching art also fits into our making portfolio. A professor of Art allows the imparting of knowledge with those who share the same goals and values in art. It expands our craft and makes connections, providing the studio visibility. Teaching, sharing, making.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Identify associations and clubs in your craft, and become a member, volunteer an allotted time, working your way up to the board membership. The success of most clubs come partly due to a good volunteer base. You will be introduced to other artist whom may share your passion. Joining non-creative clubs is a good option as well. If you, for example, enjoy hiking, join the Sierra Club. Opportunities may arise by the shear fact that you are the only artistic person in that group. Finally, pursue other a like-minded artist whom you may admire. Asked if they need help, an assistant or an apprentice. Sculptors always need another set of hands at various phases of the making process. You’ll be surprised at the knowledge you gather while helping others. I met my mentor at Texas Stadium during a Dallas Society of Visual Communications student portfolio review. We’re still friends 30 years later. Don’t be shy.
Contact Info:
- Website: artgarcia.works
- Instagram: @artgarciaworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068573117467
Image Credits
Barry G Snidow
Art Garcia
