in-depth in-depth - Vieques Events

november vieques events
At what age did you know that you
wanted to be an artist?
Ever since I remember I’ve been drawing and
creating art. On every school book from first
grade on would have my drawings...from Vieques
Air Link airplanes or Vieques’ landscapes to KISS
rock concerts and trips to strange planets on Star
Wars’ like spaceships. As an only child, a vivid
imagination was your best friend, keeping in
mind that there was no X-Box, PlayStation, or
Facebook then. Growing up in Vieques was fun
because everything was simple, also that special
bond with nature and the environment help me
nurture creativity and sensitivity. However, on
the downside, my elders did not consider art a
real profession, so I was not encouraged to pursue
a career in art. I guess I made my decision to
study art in my junior year of High School.
You studied graphic design. What
brought you back to painting. How
does your experience with graphic
design influence your paintings?
I have been painting since I was a kid, so after
High School, I didn’t think studying painting
or fine art would get me very far, I had to study
something that I could find a job in a field
related to art, either Architecture or Commercial
Art. After being accepted at the University
of Puerto Rico my life took one of those weird
turns and instead of going to college I moved
to Virginia. My desire for independence and
exploration overcame practicality and comfort.
Once there, I realized the importance of an
education, a year later, I enrolled at the Art Institute
of Philadelphia where I earned with Academic
Honors, a Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and
Graphic Design in 1991. The ability to paint and
illustrate helped me a great deal in graphic design
and Desktop Publishing, and graphic design
helped me even more on my approach to painting
and composition.
Much of your work is about change,
revolution, struggle or leaders. What
drives you to paint of these subjects.
As a graphic designer, I learned to please clients
and to satisfy their needs. However, painting is
personal and I don’t compromise. As a painter I
like to research and study my subjects. I probably
spend more time studying, researching, and
exploring possibilities than the actual execution.
As for the subjects I choose, that’s another matter.
The Vieques audience has only seen 4 shows
in 13 years. “Vieques under the surface” (1998),
“Puerto Rico, culture and tradition” (2000),
“Introspections” (2005) with Sandra Reyes, and
“Latin America, first phase” (2009). All different
subjects, but somehow some people have labeled
my work as “too political” or “controversial”
when in reality; I hate politics! I can paint a
landscape or two, portraits, animals, a sunset on
the beach, or a flower, and without sounding
arrogant; something that would look good on
your living room wall, but the truth of the matter
is that after a while it gets pretty boring. It’s not
that I don’t appreciate the beauty of nature, is
just too predictable for me, once you have seen a
palm tree you have seen them all. I consider myself
a traveller not a tourist and my approach to
art is the same. I would rather take the time and
create something special that people would have
to stop, think about, and react to. I don’t paint
to offend people or to advance some ideology,
on the contrary; I like to engage and discuss, to
get involved and coexist, to drive on what makes
us human and similar not on ignorance and
indifference. It’s perhaps for that reason I don’t
have a show every six months, paint whatever is
trendy, or show 30 pieces in a show, I believe in
substance and quality over quantity.
Fishermen (2000)
There are many who would say that
with your talent you could make your
fortune painting and showing in a big
city. Why do you stay in Vieques?
Dreams of “Fame & Glory” ---only when I was
in college. Once faced with life’s realities that
dream faded rather quickly. I am grateful with
the talent the Lord has given me but also the fact
that I’m not driven by money or social status,
and since I have nothing to prove to anyone, I’ld
rather keep a low profile and live a simple life. As
a graphic designer I experienced life in the fast
lane and big city lights, climbed the corporate
ladder, and tasted success, but coming to Vieques
to lose my mother to cancer in 1999 changed
my outlook on life’s priorities completely and
forever. After that, I thought friends, family,
relationships, community service, and social
issues were far more important, and if I could
make a difference with any artistic contribution,
my sense of accomplishment far exceeded any
“fame” expectations. Vieques is where I grew up
and where my heart is.
Do you paint or create everyday? You
have a ten year old son. How do you
encourage his creativity?
I try to create everyday, but I don’t have the
time to paint everyday. I’m involved with the
Municipal Band where I play saxophone, also on
a softball team, and with my church, on top of
whatever other projects pop-up. I try to encourage
my 12 year old son; Leonardo, to be involved
in the arts, we play music and draw every once in
a while but he is already involved in other activities
so I don’t force him. However, we always
address the importance of the arts in one’s life.
—So far so good.
You also still freelance as a designer and
have your own tee shirt line. Does this
compete for your time from painting?
In order to make ends meet I freelance as a
graphic designer and also print and sell my own
T-Shirts. I truly enjoy creating art in different
forms specially if it can complement one another,
not compete. As when it’s time to paint, I just
drop everything and become a painter.
Who are some of your favorite
artists?
I take inspiration from artists
who truly explore their subjects
and present cleverness in their
creation. In Cusco, Perú I was
taken by a sculpture of “Don
Quixote” made out of chicken
bones at a small museum, and
in Mérida, Mexico street human
performers posing as statues. It
was not a philosophical speech by
the artist or some marketing campaign
that made them stand out,
it was the true essence of their
inspiration that one couldn’t ignore.
I admire Salvador Dali’s work and Amadeo
Modigliani’s life story.
Your mural at the fish market is truly
remarkable. How long did it take you
to paint it. Did you work from actual
photos? You obviously have a love of the
sea. Do you dive or snorkel?
The mural at the fish market has been my biggest
and most challenging yet. It took me 4 months;
the sheer size, working conditions, unpredictable
weather, and other commitments play a big
part of how long it took me. However, reference
material came easy. Everyday I would take pictures
of the daily catch from the fisherman, also
learned from their perspectives and observations
for accuracy. I have an Open Water Diver license
and very much enjoy diving and snorkeling, so to
paint underwater life for me is always fun.
What advice do you have for a young
Viequense who has an interest in art?
As for any advice to a young Viequense’ artist that
I can share. Keep it real. Use art as an expression
from the heart and soul and don’t be discourage
dfrom the lack of opportunities or support. n
To contact Juan call: 787.245.8999
e-mail: silvarte@yahoo.com
or on facebook: Juan Angel Silva
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