Artist's Statement
While growing up in South Texas, I was introduced to machine
forms used in an industrial context. Such long-term exposure
to mechanical forms has had a significant influence on my
creative direction. I am attracted to the precision of man
and machine made steel objects and the manner in which clay
can be manipulated to simulate such forms. The essence of my
art deals with the integration of clay and steel to create
sculptural forms and vessels. The simulation of such forms
with clay, the experimentation of various finishes, and
steel and clay combinations are factors that I investigate.
I have played with both materials since 1980. Their inherent
qualities fascinate me. In clay, it's the plastic quality
that allows it to be modeled into a wide range of forms. I
take advantage of its plasticity and its ability to be
transformed into whatever form I want. I model some pieces
to simulate steel while I manipulate others to show its'
fragility. In steel, it's the strength, the immediacy, and
the process that captivates me.
Bio
Vicente Garcia, a Mexican American artist grew up in South
Texas. It was during his freshman year that he learned how
to weld and model in clay. From then on both materials
became his passion. His artwork earned him scholarships to
attend the University Of Texas - Pan American where he
received a BFA and later the University of North Texas where
he earned an MFA. To enhance his education and improve his
skills Vicente worked as a production potter every summer
during his college years. Upon graduating in 1993, he
received a teaching position at Sul Ross State University in
Alpine, Texas where he served as an Assistant Professor for
2 years. In 1995 he moved to Simsbury, Connecticut, where he
opened a studio/gallery and solely focused on his creative
work for 2 years. In 1997, he began teaching at CCSU where
he now serves as Professor of Art. He has recently finished
construction of his ceramics and sculpture studio and is
currently creating a series of vessels in clay and steel.
Web Site:
www.vicentegarciaart.com
