Artist's Statement
As a tribute to my art teacher, my familia, and the artist Jesus Helguera, I decided to paint my own version of the famous "Amor Indio" when I was 19 years old.
|
My interest in art started as a young child. Grandpa Joe, who saw the best in everybody, saw something in me. He nurtured my art when he arranged for me to have art lessons as a 13 year old. Sadly, the lessons lasted only two short years as Alfonso Ramirez, my teacher, passed away. I continued to study art in college, but changed majors and stopped painting at age 24. I had buried my talent until the summer of 2013. I realized my hibernation lasted almost 35 years. And so, I reawaken to a hobby, a talent, a calling, or all three.
My reawakening was difficult for at least two reasons. First, I kept comparing myself to that thirteen year old who seemed to paint like a seasoned artist. (Did you see the Tiger on the Home Page?) It was quite intimidating. Secondly, rather than trust my own intuition, I did what other people suggested and struggled with acrylics. Acrylics are fine, but we are not a good fit. I finally listened to that voice within and came home to oil paints. My desire is to live all facets of my life based on my current vision statement which is as follows: “Through my compassionate and creative spirit, it is my purpose to LOVE, creating health and wholeness in myself, seeing it in others, and affirming that the divine is in everyone and everything.” With that statement my work lends itself to healing, especially my own wounds. In addition the nature of art being that it is in the eye of the beholder, I hope to offer healing and wholeness in others. Whether my pieces reflect a human emotion, a connection to nature, or present a spiritual theme, it is my sincere desire that my art will in some way give you joy or inspiration, and when I leave this planet it will be better than the way I came into it. May we all awaken to our divine selves. Peace and Blessings, Paul Sanchez EDUCATION
University of Southern California California State University Los Angeles EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
English teacher 17 years Life student |