Inspired by Life

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Escape Your Shadows

Escape Your Shadows

Everyone has a story to tell. Some of those stories become inspiration for art. I’ve had conversations that provoke images in my head as the person speaks. These images become unpredicted elements of some of my pieces, specially sculptures. Yes, I’m listening to the conversation (or paying attention as I read on messenger) but images begin appearing. I just see things. You might say I’m a visionary. Psychologists might have a different label for sure.

Visual, philosophical, and emotional metaphors emerge from these conversations and they can turn a figure study into a sculpture that speaks to people. Concepts of overcoming the past, infatuation, victory, defeat, pain, pleasure, hurt, peace, strength, escape, freedom, failure, contentment, bliss… We could go on and on.

Interestingly, these conversations also help liberate the person telling the story. Often is like a burden that was lifted from their shoulders. Then when looking at the sculpture they feel like they can keep telling the story through it. That is a very rewarding experience as an artist.  Life inspires life and once again the human experience is shared among humans with a little help of art.

 Beguiled Published in the book International Contemporary Masters VIBeguiled
Published in the book International Contemporary Masters VI

 

 

What’s Affecting Your Domain?

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You can see it. Observe! Watch that soul dragging the body as if it was already dead. Can you feel the weight of the posture of defeat before the fight begins? As an artist and educator I’ve learned to observe people. With time you learn to read their emotions by just observing their posture and how they move around or conduct themselves. Sometimes you can hear the silent scream for help coming from their hearts. Sometimes it is us.

Born Again

Born Again

There are three learning domains: cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (movement), and affective (emotions). All three domains are essential to determine success or failure in a particular area. All three domains can be assessed, measured and quantified. All three are combined and adjust to a different measure according to the situation. However, the affective domain is the fuel and spark that shapes our drive to go on an conquer our day. Yes, we are human and circumstances can get the best of us but we can’t let the circumstances win. We can… well… take domain.

The affective domain includes interest, motivation, attitudes, anxiety levels, coping skills, faith, and the emotional interpretation of failure or success from past experiences. Knowledge and physical abilities are not enough to succeed, to go on with your day like you own it. Passion! We need more passion! Passion will engine a spark to pursue your goals, to commit! Commitment increases the chances of attainability which feeds a sense your desire to keep trying, to challenge yourself, to reach your goals, to improve, and to grow.

The Creation Process

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Photo Sep 08, 9 11 01 AM

Accession Concrete (Cement) 24″ tall

I’m generally inspired first by the pose. The theme, subject, or name of the piece come at the end when the piece is already finished. Most of my pieces get a “name” or “title” when I list it. Like a child you are just waiting last minute for a sign of the perfect name. I start with the pose. The title will come.

The first step is to create a wire armature with the pose to hold the modeling clay. The sculpting begins. I like to apply the modeling clay as if I was covering bone (the wire) with muscles, tendons, and flesh. It is a lot of fun to work on the muscles and the details of the skin, the bones showing a little, the tension and the relaxation of the position. Those little details make a huge impact in a sculpture. I like to add a little craziness around the piece. It is part of my style.

When the sculpture is done, it s not really done. Modeling clay never hardens. The second part of the sculpting process begins: the mold. I use liquid rubber and then keep it together with either plaster or some kind of fiberglass material. I used plaster for this. Once the mold is ready, which is a negative holding all the details of the piece, I discard of the original and reuse the material (I can hear you screaming right now). Casting is next. For this piece I used construction cement. Once dry it is concrete (just technicalities of the terms). I could cast in other materials as well: bonded marble, bonded bronze, etc. It is what is called cold cast. The final process is to prepare for display. it is when color and final texture is applied. And done! In the video on this page you can see glances of this process. You can also watch it in youtube.

When I looked at the final piece I thought about victory. It was like the piece saying: “I made it! I conquered! I reached my goal!” So I gave it a title accordingly: Accession. It can be defined as atteinment or acquisition, as in reaching or achieving a position or rank of power. I believe it fits. Accession is displayed at The Gallery at Elemar, New haven, CT and available. The Gallery at Elemar is the host for the show TORSOS and the reception is Saturday, November 22, 6-9pm. You are invited!

 

Thank you…

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A week ago I began this blog because my wife insisted it was a good idea. I am glad I did. So far, the site is getting 100+ views daily and people seem to enjoy reading. I am thankful for her an all the effort she is putting into my career. She has been always my inspiration and motivation. I want to thank you too for reading the blog and for those leaving comments. I appreciate that a lot. Look forward for a daily post and leave comments. I like that.

6U4A3108It is my hope that I can contribute the little I know to help someone reach their potential in the arts and in other learning domains. Learning to learn is an essential part of growing and developing intentional learning. It helps motivate and make the right decisions. I will continue creating a bridge between art and learning psychology by sharing what I know and what I’m learning everyday. I will continue sharing these magnificent experiences when teaching and when working on my new pieces.

If you haven’t been to a sculpting party before I recommend you do. You can allow someone else to go as a gift from you. We have 2 sculpting parties coming up: November 20 Sculpting Party at Cafe Atlantique in Milford, CT and December 13 Sculpting Party at The Gallery at Elemar, New Haven, CT. You need to sign up for these. The spaces are limited. You can also sign up for private lessons and even online private lessons. Contact me for details.

One last thing. Don’t forget that the opening reception for the show TORSOS is Saturday, November 22, 6-9pm at The Gallery at Elemar. It is going to be great.

Sculpting with your Heart

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Take time to disconnect from your brain and connect to your heart. Allow your fingers to appreciate the texture of the clay as you get lost in the slow waters of your emotions. Taste every second as it was the last. Turn noise into silence. Get lost!

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Sculpting Workshop at The Milford Senior Center

I was sharing some time last Wednesday with an excellent group of people at the Milford Senior Center. I wish you could experience what I perceive from them when they got immerse in their creative process, in their inner peace, in the sensation of the clay on their fingers… Time seemed to stop. In fact, they were working on their pieces in complete silence for about 10-15 minutes but the energy in that room was mesmerizing. In their faces was reflected a great sense of commitment and accomplishment, and an attitude of ownership. “I’m making this! I love how it looks! I can’t stop now!” What a great moment! I felt so proud and honored to witness this moment. Believe me when I tell you that I enjoyed it. They were lost in their task.

According to Picasso we are all artists as kids, but along the way we lost our acceptance of our creativity and imagination for a more “real” and concrete world. At some point in our development we compare the reality we see with the reality we can create and give up when the measure lacks in our eyes. We think too much about it and silence the heart. Then we impose this coward attitude into others (No need to say that art programs are being eliminated from schools). We are missing the point! “Thinking” so much blinded our sensitivity and forced our creativity to decrease to death. Creativity is proven to increase problem solving skills, allows connectedness with ourselves and the world around us, increases and restores confidence and self-value, and relieves stress. Need I say more?

I see transformations in all my classes and workshops with people of all ages and backgrounds. Read the testimonials. The only one stoping you to try something creative is yourself. No matter the age or the situation creativity is ready to rise up and give you a new spark in life. Let inspiration flow. Don’t think about it so much. Let your heart take control.

Thank you to Always Best Care in Milford for sponsoring this.