Fernando Garcia-Vazquez |
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Artist Statement The definition of art that we have today is a sign of our time. It is wide and open and not defined any more. That is the way it is and I accept it. However to put a little bit of sense in our minds we as artists have to come to a private description of what we do and what we are as individuals in the society that we live in. For me art is a tool. It is THE tool that I like to use to express my ideas and views. Growing up under a dictatorship in Franco¹s Spain, I know all too well the constrains that can stifle a person who just doesn¹t fit in her/his place. My weapon to fight the circumstances is to show how hypocritical a so-called Œhonest¹ society can be. My tool, again, is art. My work in ceramic, silverpoint, painting and sculpture relies on techniques developed hundreds of years ago in Europe. I am using ageless techniques but unlike those artists of the past whose tools I am borrowing and whose controversial ideas were often suppressed by authorities, I am free to take a contemporary view. Truth be told, I am "an angry young Spaniard" who now enjoys being in this free environment of Canada where, through my work, I can finally express myself. I am very concerned with social and ecological issues. As a person that has suffered the consequences of a repressive society, I am very sensitive to injustice. As a living being of this planet that we are hourly destroying, I am very sensitive to loss. My work includes these themes plus matters of human sexuality, freedom and religious suppression: all of which I am attempting to grapple with and shed light on. As a sculptor my medium is clay. In addition to its malleability and durability clay allows me a full range of expression in terms of colors, textures and finishes. Clay is also deeply rooted in my cultural background. Great artists such as the Della Robbia family, Palissy, Picasso and Miro all expressed themselves through clay. I like the freedom of clay, its malleability and the arrangement of colours. But its durability is the quality that I love: malleable in origin, durable once it find its truth. Just as in human philosophy. Today I see myself in Canada using this malleable and durable art that will enrich the society that I am sharing in. Biography Solo Exhibitions 2002 'In Your Face', Gallery of BC Ceramics, Vancouver Selected Group Exhibitions 1999 Icons of Identity, Crafthouse, Vancouver Professional Experience 1996-present Private studio work, Burnaby,
BC 1987 - 1988 National Employment Institute - Professor of Ceramics, teaching ceramic design, material, theory, history and technology 1987 - Founder and President of ŒGrupo de Nuevos Ceramistas¹ New Ceramists Group
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