Artist's Statement
Reflecting back on my past
experience, I find my solutions to assignments, often
grounded in story. During my years as an advertising art
director, concepts for product campaigns, TV commercials and
package designs often contained a beginning middle and end
method of thinking. In my years as an illustrator, the same
process was at play in order to achieve a provocative visual
result. “No Dead, No Conflict” is the first of a series of
paintings for an exhibit entitled “Peace Under Duress,” a
painted journal on the cultural and political issues in the
Basque region in northern Spain, the results of a
Connecticut State University grant. These paintings are the
result of visits and interviews in the Basque region of
Spain. My goal is to assemble a body of work solely devoted
to the history and present day affairs of Basque life. A
life defined by many struggles and unjust treatment during
the Franco years. As the news unravels today we witness a
continued cultural growth and in contrast an ominous unrest
by those seeking independence from Madrid governance. Now as
the sins of the Franco regime are uncovered and the
monuments dedicated to glorify Franco’s existence are put
asunder, the Basque people can confront the future in piece.
Bio
Abe Echevarria, a noted
illustrator, educator and artist, is a New Milford resident
and has worked for a diverse list of clients covering the
corporate world, book publishers, movie studios and ad
agencies. Echevarria has a long list of exhibitions and
awards, including the International Gold Medal Winners
Auction, Society of Illustrators, NYC; The Award of
Excellence 31, Society of Illustrators, NYC; and The Latino
Perspective, Western Connecticut State University. His work
is collected by private and public art patrons, such as
American Express, CBS, and AT&T. In addition, his works was
published in a variety of ventures. Published works
included: Bailout, The Bankrupting of America - Future
Press; Counting Sheep - Graphics Publishing; and Essentials
of Anatomy & Physiology - Prentice Hall. Current, Echevarria
is a Professor of Art and has served as chairperson at
Western Connecticut State University. There he teaches and
mentors students in graphic design, illustration, and
applied studio. Echevarria works with both undergraduate
and graduate students.
Web Site:
www.wcsu.ctstateu.edu/artalumni/professors/echevarria.html
