Today we’d like to introduce you to Alberto Garcia Uria
Hi Alberto , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey as an artist is a narrative marked by resilience and a profound love for texture. Born in Havana, Cuba, our family’s life took a dramatic turn with the Revolution, forcing us to start anew in foreign lands. Growing up in Miami, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix in the USVI, I would describe my childhood as idyllic, always embraced by the warmth of loving parents and the ever-present allure of the beach and the colors of summer.
My formal artistic journey began under the tutelage of abstract artist, Leigh Hyams at UCSF and later at the Florence Classical Arts Academy in Italy where I continue to participate annually in focused residencies and workshops of various disciplines, (e.g. portraiture, artistic anatomy, nude figure and Plein Air). My instruction at FCAA has been under the tutelage of professors from the prestigious Imperial Academy of Arts (The Repin. Academy) in St. Petersburg. My professors included Svetlana Kurbatskaya, Gilberto Geraldo, Natalia Repina and Arsenii Nefedov. I chose to study under these Russian masters recognizing the influence they would have on my more contemporary work, exercising the Russian observational method utilizing construction which produces a more three-dimensional and solid look.
My art is driven by an obsession with texture, finding beauty in everything from concrete walls to weather-stained sidewalks. My creative process starts with an acrylic underpainting, followed by layers of oil and cold wax medium. The technique includes using various tools bringing the colors of the underpainting forward, adding depth and dimension to the work.
I think what makes my art truly unique is my use of texture coupled with my perspective as a color challenged artist. My influences are rooted in two worlds; the world of abstract expressionism, drawing inspiration from luminaries like Helen Frankenthaler and William De Kooning as well as portraitist Alice Neal, who pursued a career as a figurative painter during a period when abstraction was favored. The sense of exploration in my work is akin to Cuban artists form the Vanguardia movement, Wilfredo Lam and Amelia Pelaéz. Never forgetting and always referring to my classical training in every picture he paints.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My dream as young person was always to study art. Unfortunately, my life took a different turn, either for lack of focus or the inability to make a living at art. I chose a different path for the sake of making a living but I never stopped making art and I continued to learn as much as I could along the way. At times I have felt that not having the focus to dedicate myself to my art at a young age and study from the beginning was wasted … but in retrospect, the life and work I chose actually allowed me to experience art and life in ways that I may not have, had I chosen otherwise. When I was finally able to dedicate my full time to art and seriously pursue it, I was able to focus with a maturity and knowledge that I do not take for granted.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Presently, I am one of several artists belonging to a collective in Southern California, The Perez Art District in Cathedral City, a vibrant community of artists . This space, which I share with these exceptional artists allows me to experiment with different approaches, mediums and subjects. My work is best described as figurative abstract with distinct texture. My subject is usually related to my culture. In a community where mid-century art is the preferred style, my work stands out as art with a story and / or message.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
When people see my work, especially my figurative and classical work (portraits, charcoal drawings), they immediately assume that is what my focus is. In fact my focus is to ultimately marry my classical training with abstract work. They may also be surprised to learn that my goal is not to be famous, but rather to be better… I do not paint to attract an audience, but rather to fulfill a need to be the best I can be and if along the road people appreciate my work and are moved by it… that is wonderful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www,chasingmymagic.com
- Instagram: @chasingmymagic
- Facebook: Alberto Garcia Uria
Image Credits
All images photographed by the artist, Alberto Garcia Uria
