Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Moya.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I came to LA from New Mexico, where I had gone to college. I landed a job teaching art in Pasadena, and settled in Highland Park, and then Eagle Rock. I went back to get my MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute while continuing to teach. I have converted my Eagle Rock garage into an art studio/workshop. My practice has been mostly hermetic; I attend very few openings or art events and have always resisted the idea of seeing my art as a business. Making art has been a meditation for me, and although I enjoy having shows, the emphasis of my process has always been the evolution of the work.
Please tell us about your art.
I build up thick layers of paint. I then cut these layers of dried paint up into smaller pieces and collage them onto a panel to create geometric compositions. I have always been interested in exploring novel ways to use paint in “a painting,” and am also inspired by pattern, repetition, and bright colors.
Recently, I have been integrating the patterns of recycled textiles into my compositions (shirts, pajamas, blouses–anything with bold stripes). I scavenge through the local Goodwill in my neighborhood for clothes with cool patterns, which connects my work and process to the community in an interesting way. It’s also exciting to find used clothes, which have so many age, gender, and class markers, and use them as abstract elements in a painting/collage. And knowing that the boldly-striped material in my work has a history is fun.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
The artist in me is an energy. I have always had the need to make things, and even if I had not studied art, I am confident that I would still be making stuff. I am not motivated by commercial success but have always felt that if I’m making relevant, interesting, and novel creations, that the recognition will come. So the focus has always been to make good art with the materials/process that I have chosen to explore. My process of collaging pieces of dried paint has limited me in a sense, compared to painting with a brush, but I have enjoyed the challenge of making successful work with a limited process and materials.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have exhibited very little in LA. My last three solo shows have been in Denver, Seattle, and Madrid. But I’m always trying to post new work on my website, robmoya.com, and Instagram, so people can support my work by checking in to see what’s cooking in the kitchen, so to speak.
And having my work and story featured here has been great, so thanks.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robmoya.com
- Phone: google voice 650-rob-moya
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @robertrmoya
Image Credit:
Benito Lozano
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