My Artist Journey

This world of Art became possible for me when my mother encouraged me when I was seven years old. I remember one day I was drawing and my mother and my sister were next to me. I started to draw naked figures. My sister pointed it out to my mother. My mother responded "Well he's a boy he can do anything." and with those words of encouragement I began to think that it was possible for me to do anything with a pencil.

Throughout my youth whenever I had a chance in school I would draw. I taught myself how to mix colors using pastels and pencils. I began to expand my drawing horizons. I went to school for jewelry manufacturing and I worked at a high-end jewelers. I was part of a manufacturing team that worked creating products for Tiffany's and Pomerantz Jewelers.

It was as part of that team that Eugenia Rivera asked if I had ever painted on canvas. As a present I received an oil paint set and a canvas. The creative juices started to flow and I felt that I had found a purpose. I learned to blend and layer paints. I have sought to use my jewelry experience and my painting experience to continue to refine my artistic skills. Another team member Yahtzee offered advice. He said that I should think of every tool that I use as a pencil. My creativity was limitless.

Art was and is also in our family blood. My mother, Cecilia, used to crochet beautiful creations. Some for decorating the home and some for wearing. She predominantly focused on creations for the home like table doilies "tapetes", crochet baskets with flowers., towels and potholders. Another artist in our family is my older sister, Nelida. She is a self-taught artist and did so while working on her business career. We share our experiences and support each other along the way. That is what family is all about. We paint together at times and share skills and knowledge. You should check her website at: www.nelidagarcia.com. She has a collection of works covering landscapes, seascapes and portraits.

My journey is not over as I am continuing to develop my craft, experience life and have a voice through my art.

#art #surrealism