Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar wysong.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Mexico and grew up in the midwest and moved all around the USA and settled into California. At 18 to pursue a career as a pro skater, soon after I studied the performing arts in Los Angeles and acted in several television shows, films, and theatrical productions.
I then took an unexpected turn into the visual arts specifically metal sculpture. Where my love of the southwest inspired me to create desert themed sculpture as well as abstract sculpture and paintings and then ultimately meshing the two mediums. I have now made a full-time career out of my work selling on many platforms, galleries and boutique shops and was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times. I currently reside in Topanga and am the owner and artist of Topanga Patina and am extremely grateful to do what I love on a daily basis.
Please tell us about your art.
My work is primarily metal sculpture and paintings often inspired by the southwest and desert ethos often utilizing rust; patinas spray, acrylic and oil paints to create raw, rustic metal sculptures often purposefully distressed to relay a story or past. By welding and forging steel I make a variety of metal agaves, saguaro, pkicklypear, tequila, and various cacti sculptures as well as abstract and industrial inspired freestanding and wall sculptures many which are available through my metal art brand Topanga Patina.
I don’t try to make my work perfect due to my inspiration of natures perfect imperfection and that no two things are alike but always different and unique in character.
What do you think about the conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
I definitely feel that artist are able to reach larger audiences on their own these days through all the various online platforms as well as social media. Sites and apps available.
If you believe, are motivated and take the time to upload and share your work. I really feel you have a great opportunity to make a living as an artist. Most of all I feel you need to enjoy your work and look to evolve and grow as an artist.
Personally, I do wish I could show my work in more galleries throughout LA and hope I will be able to free up some time in the near future.
I think cities like LA can reach out just like you guys and bring attention to the so many talented and gifted Artist out there, maybe through events, art fairs, and public galleries which I would love to take part in.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
You can see my Topanga Patina works at
https://www.etsy.com/shop/TopangaPatina?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=217334642
All other works can be seen on Saatchi Art
https://www.saatchiart.com/ramosong
Also daily works are posted on my IG
@omar_wysong
Contact Info:
- Address: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TopangaPatina?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=649682649
- Website: https://www.topangapatina.com
- Phone: 8183102131
- Email: ramosong10@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @omar_wysong
Image Credit:
Omar Wysong
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
