Today we’d like to introduce you to Javier Lopez.
Javier, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have always liked drawing diagrams, models of objects and machines, and mathematical and geometric patterns. Once I discovered ceramics on the wheel, these doodles began to translate onto my style of work. Under the guidance of Amie Larson and Jessica Lau, over the course of several years, I began to go from simple cylinders to more complex forms and techniques. In my “other life” I’m an engineering inclined student, and I’ve definitely found that mindset has influenced my work. I always try to make these two worlds, art and science, coexist within what I make!
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Years ago I had no idea what my art meant, or if I even had a style. Nowadays, I think I’ve developed a signature look in my pieces. I think it’s important for things to look neat and be clean. Distinct lines and separation of elements appear often in my work, expressing my organizational, methodical way of thought. I’m told I always scheme out these “plans” for my pieces and I think that’s definitely true.
My passion is to make things! When working with the 3d, you have to learn to use your eyes, fingers, and mind too, of course, in a specific and highly precise way to achieve your outcome. I love using different materials and exploring how they work, how to use them, and their possibilities. To me, art is about exploring the resources you have and learning to make interesting and aesthetically pleasing pieces. Really, art is a way to express the unique qualities that make us human.
Over the years I’ve realized that sometimes a great idea turns out to be executed poorly, but sometimes a mistake or hastily thought out idea turns out great. For this reason, it’s vital that I spend my time both continuing to develop my style, while also experimenting and trying out new techniques and designs, especially those I may never have done.
I’m also a big advocate for multi-media mixing. Limiting yourself to only the medium you’re comfortable with shuts doors of possibility, and ultimately, life isn’t just about doing one thing, but rather the story, or the progression, of going through different ways of expressing your ideas. For this reason, I’ve been trying to work wood into my ceramics, such as through trays and shelves that can house a set of pieces, unifying them.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
Two problems seem most apparent to me. Firstly, the way our economic system works, in order to survive in the world, you must make money, which means artists end up making work to please the desires of society. The problem with this is that some artists might end up becoming machines that manufacture some product when really the artist should ideally have the liberty to express the creativity they are so well known for without the pressure of making something “sellable”.
Secondly is the popular attitude towards art, especially modern art. Too often do snarky gallery observers comment “I could’ve made that” rather than ask meaningful questions like “Why did the artist choose to make this out of X material or in Y shape”, or “What is the intention of this piece”? An open mind and attitude that embraces new ideas (even the ones you don’t understand or agree with) is really something that would help people enjoy art more, and even help people get along better.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I’m most active on Instagram, @lefthandedlimacon
Also, in the coming weeks, I’ll be opening an online Etsy store, search for TheLeftHandedLimacon on Etsy.com to see some of my works that you can take home with you.
Contact Info:
- Email: lefthandedlimacon@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lefthandedlimacon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lefthandedlimacon/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheLeftHandedLimacon?ref=search_shop_redirect
Image Credit:
Javier Lopez
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