Texas Sculpture Association

Artist Spotlight Interview

Eliseo Garcia

January, 2012

Name:  Eliseo Garcia

What type(s) of art do you like to create?

I most enjoy working on figurative and abstract creations both in painting and in sculpture. I use acrylic on canvass and sculpt in a variety of stones, steel form configurations, and cast bronze. I enjoy themes that are serious and soul-searching as well as lighthearted and fun. I like to work on public, corporate, or private artwork commissioned projects, as well as my own personal body of work.

Where did you learn to do what you do?

I feel gifted with a natural talent and love for art. From the time I was a child, I would continually draw cartoons from newspaper political illustrations. I excelled in art in high school, and obtained my BFA in Painting and Sculpture from North Texas University, where I created my first mother-child sculpture. Being drafted into the Army in the midst of college, I created the first of what I call my “dark-period paintings” while serving in Viet Nam. After college I continued to research and seek out established artists for their guidance, continuing to do what I loved best. So, to answer the question succinctly, my learning came from the educational system, teachings by other artists, and from my own experimentation.

Tell us about your most important projects.

All of my projects have special meaning to me. There are, however, three monumental projects (listed below) which are very meaningful to me. Liturgical, sports oriented and more traditional. These took me out of my comfort zone and caused me to stretch beyond the boundaries of my recognized style or body of work.

Commission by St. Philips Episcopal Church, Frisco, TX.: St. Philips gave me the creative license to interpret passages from the bible and carve a variation of the high cross. The ultimate artwork was a 12’ high cross with sixteen bas relief carved images in a 3-dimensional form.

Commission by the First Tee of Ft. Worth, TX.: I was given the freedom to creatively interpret this theme in a freer artistic fashion. This artwork consists of nine limestone columns with each comprised of three sections for a total of 27 panels. The total measurement of this monumental bas relief stone project is 11’H x 32’W x 4”D. Rockwood Municipal Golf Course in Ft. Worth, TX.

Commission by the City of Dallas for the Sammons Center for the Arts, Dallas, TX.: These are three 7’ tall bronze figures titled “Celebration of the Arts”, to be unveiled and dedicated at noon on Thursday, January 12, 2012. These figurative pieces are massive-exaggerated bronze forms which symbolize the creative principles found in all the Arts.

Describe your studio.

My studio-gallery is located in Dallas, TX in the Design District West area. From my stone carving area there are two spectacular views; the Dallas skyline and the top portion of the new Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. Leading to the studio-gallery is a sculpture garden where my work is displayed. Typically, I have two annual art shows, one in the spring and the other in the fall. At these shows I display my newest works and my experimental work consisting of my latest out-of-the-box creations.

What type of music do you listen to while you work?

The music that inspires me while I work is as varied as my artwork. I paint and I sculpt, and my work is both figurative and abstract. Likewise, I enjoy all types of music. My favorite music, though, is from the 50’s-60’s era and rancheras and mariachi music always make me want to dance while I work.

Where do you find your inspiration?

I am constantly inspired by feelings – feelings that I have about my relationships with others and relationships I sense between others. My hopes are that my artwork will promote philosophical, psychological and spiritual exploration.

Do you have any advice for other artists?

Yes, take risks, and don’t be afraid of seeking projects outside of your comfort zone. You will find that these projects light up untapped areas of your creative realm. Also, to the best of your ability, keep your mind and body in the best of health – physical exercise and an open mind nurture creative thinking.

Do you belong to any art organizations, other than Texas Sculpture Association?

I belong to the Texas Sculpture Association and the newly formed Art Professionals of Texas. I also participate in the Art After 5 organization which raises funds for art education.

Do you have a website?

You are welcome to visit my website at www.Sculptoreliseo.com

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