My first piece in a series which has a tentative title of “Layers”. It follows a bit on my previous body of work, Changes, which dealt with an abstract view of our lives has they go from dreams, goals to reality. This series in a way will deal more with how we are, beings of multiple layers, with good, bad, happiness and sadness. As we explore our lives paths with acquire different experiences, which mold us into our present selves. I hope to do it justice.
Artist Statement 2026
Jorge R. Gonzalez
Why I started, what has and still inspires me, and why I’m on this Journey.
Like most visual artists I enjoyed doodling throughout my adolescence since most classes in school tended to be rather boring to me. This led to using the sides of my composition papers for my daydreaming canvas. Entering high school my heart was set on becoming an airplane mechanic with the goal of one day working in an aircraft carrier. This became my dream and my three years of high school were focused on attending aviation school with the main field of study sheetmetal work. But the last year of the aviation mechanic curriculum caused a disheartening effect on me which led me to change careers and devote my efforts as I entered college into obtaining a degree in the optical field. Part of the reasoning was that one of my uncles had already set up an optical store and wanted me to eventually work for him. But a few minor events, wanting to get married at a young age of nineteen caused me to look into something more fulfilling and a passion for the arts awoke in me. Needless to say the marriage side quest was left by the wayside and art classes became my focus starting with drawing which led to printmaking, then photography, painting, which eventually after years of study became a BFA with a major in sculpture. Painting and photography would always follow me but my true passion was conceptual sculptures.
After graduating from the university I started my career in the fine arts, setting up a studio and working on creating art work that would communicate, touch and move an audience. But life has a way of making one’s plans sometimes take turns and paths that are not part of our goals. Actually the series that I just finished is a reflection of this, “Changes” a twenty piece exploration on the fulfilment of dreams and goals and of not achieving those dreams and goals. I found myself in the year 1993 meeting a wonderful woman that would not only become my life long partner in marriage but she would also share with me the most important life changing gift a man could find, she introduced me to the Gospel. This turning point in my life, at the end of 1993 would become the key element to my happiness, the happiness that I had been looking, longing for had arrived and within a few months I would be baptized, filled with the Holy Ghost and be living the most wonderful times in my life. By mid 1994 I had asked this wonderful woman to be my bride and 8 months later we would be starting our journey together, not only in marriage but in the ministry, reaching out and sharing the wonders of God. By this time the art studio was non-existent and my art was nowhere to be found. My dreams and goals had totally changed and working in the kingdom of God was all that mattered. Plus providing for a growing family became the number one reason to dedicate myself to a “normal” job.
As time passed my wife and I became more involved in the missions field and eventually helped in the building and establishing a Church in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas Mexico. My only connection to the arts would be taking portraits of Church members and occasional weddings. Photography had always been there for me but the subject matter changed.
As the years passed I found myself yearning to use my abilities to once again take up canvas and brushes to communicate to an audience. But in contrast to the dark, depressing, introverted work that I was creating during my school years and into my studio time I would gravitate to a more joyful expression. No longer tied to the occult, to the darkness that oppressed me I could explore color, happiness, and joy in my work and its reflection of the beautiful world that surrounds us. Black finds very little existence in my work, while purple and gold excel. I explore different themes, but many will reflect my view of God’s wonderful creation and this wonderful journey we call life.. Both highlighting the beauty and fragility of creation and life is part of my work.
One of my favorite verses is James 4:14
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
My last painting in the series Changes has part of this verse as the title,
“Changes XX: But a Vapour” And that is something that drives me everyday, both in my natural, spiritual and artistic life, the short time we have to live at the fullest. That is what inspires me, pushes me to both live and create.
Changes XX, Last Painting of the Series. In Progress.
Artrepreneur Pro Account
Today I signed up to be completely represented by https://artrepreneur.com/ . I have been with them for over a year using their free representation model which brings some but not allow the tools that a pro account those. I’m hopping this will lead to more exposure since many of my works are curator favorites, but by not having a pro account the exposure is a bit limited. I’m excited by the possibilities and the greater exposure to interested collectors.
Below is a link to my gallery on Artrepreneur:
Calmness in the Process
There are certain moments in my life that provide me with an exceptional time to create. It might seem strange to some to hear that I was up until 3:00 a.m. working on a piece. But after raising a family, providing for them, instructing them, and most importantly making sure that their spiritual needs were met, I found myself looking for any time along that could be used to create. So through out the years, 31 years of marriage and counting, I learned that the 10:00pm to the wee hours of the night/morning provided the best time for my creative juices to work. It was in these late times that I was able to find Calmness in the Process. It was in these times when the air was still, the background noise ceased and I could then focus on creating. This latest piece Changes XVIII: Winter’s Glow, is almost finished. After I filmed this short video last night I continued to add to it, and now I’m very close to being done both with this piece and the Series Changes. Where am I going next? Not sure, a few things are in mind, but no commitment yet on any.
#artist #art #life #changes #creative #cuban artist
Changes XVII: Summer’s End
Golden tendrils weave through a rich purple expanse, crafting a narrative that resonates with the mysteries of a forgotten forest. This piece calls viewers to a realm where each swirl and leaf flutters between the realms of reality and dream. The manipulation of space is engaging, as the golden vines cascade downward, meeting a lower world of softly scattered shapes, suggesting an organic connection between above and below. It’s as if the artwork itself breathes, with each component finding its place in the delicate balance of nature. Does this composition reflect the unseen connections within us, inviting an exploration of our own roots and branches?
Changes XVI: Life Is But A Vapour.
New work in progress.
New work in progress, part of the series Changes. The series was started back in early 2025. It will consist of 20 pieces of similar size: 18×24 or 20×24. At this moment I’m down to 4 pieces to complete the series.
Changes comes from an initial inspiration I had about how our life might start out with many goals and dreams of success, fame, riches or even a simple life style. With time some of us achieve many of the goals while others might not. But is about the process, the journey which we strive in. Back in 1993 I embarked on a second set of goals and dreams. While in the first part of my life my main goal was to achieve fame and wealth. That change in 93’ drew me to see life differently and to reevaluate my dreams and goals. Thanks to God my life turned for the best once I let the Lord be my dream, my goal and my guide. To be continued…
Change V: Continuing the Changes Series.
This part of the Changes Series. In this captivating piece, an enchanting cosmic spectacle unfolds across a field of deep purples and soft lavenders. The delicate circles seem to pulse and breathe, offering a display of celestial wonder. At first glance, tranquility envelops the viewer, yet the arrangement challenges initial perceptions. What appears as a soothing array of shapes may reveal something deeper upon closer inspection, hinting at the vastness of space and the intricacy of the unseen universe. The bold contrast of colors creates a memorable visual experience, inviting one to linger and explore the complexity woven into every detail. This artwork promises a blend of calm and curiosity, leaving a lasting impression.
Changes XIII: All Thy Waves And Thy Billows Are Gone Over Me.
