03 Dec Meet the Artist: Roberto Cortez
Q: Explain the process you go through for your work?
It all starts with an idea. A concept that is created in my mind by something that I see or perceive. It can be an existing or imaginary image that stays in mind for a while, or it can be a few seconds or days. I usually sketch the idea before I actually jump into the process of painting. While starting to paint, I spontaneously get involved with the experience of that particular moment, utilizing the media and techniques that simply feel right.
Q: How long have you been painting?
As long as I can remember I have always done different types of visual art. However, I have been more committed to painting for about 10 years.
Q: What got you interested in art?
I feel that I have a natural predisposition to create. As far as I can trace back to my childhood, I remember drawing, coloring, making sculptures and building things, but I never considered attending art school. I have an Industrial design degree, and all of my professional background has been related to the creative industry. I have worked in different areas of design: Graphic Design, Product Design, Architecture and illustration. At the present time I own a restaurant, which I also see as a fantastic way to be creative. I compare cooking to creating art. You can add different textures, flavors, colors, use different techniques, and at the end you create a new plate.
Q: How would you describe your style of art?
Personally, I wouldn’t like to encapsulate myself to a specific style of art. I think that art should flow freely without restrictions of any type, even though that might contradicts the general idea that very “successful” artists have a defined style.
Q: Where do you gather most of the inspiration for your works?
The representations of my creations are of subjects and situations that I see and perceive throughout all my senses. From ordinary elements of everyday life to subjects that call for a profound analysis. For instance, the mysteries of nature, human & socio-political issues that stirs my awareness and intangible subject matters that might transcend into spiritual interpretations.
Q: In your opinion, what is the hardest step in creating a masterpiece?
I don’t think I have created or will ever create a masterpiece. That’s a big word that only the audience can decide upon. The only thing that I know is that I always start a new piece trying to improve the last work that I did by using the knowledge and experience that I acquired doing it. The result can be worse or can be better, but that too only the viewer can decide.
Q: What’s an interesting fact about you or your work?
I’m always thinking about the new thing to do and how to improve the things that I have done. I try to understand what my limits are and I’m a believer that there is always room to achieve or produce something better.
Q: What famous artist do you most admire?
Among some, with no specific order: Diego Velázquez, Georges Braque, Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne, Salvador Dali, Rufino Tamayo, Diego Rivera. In recent times, Francoise Nielly and many other modern expressionistic ones have become favorites.
To learn more about Roberto Cortez visit his website
Roberto’s art will be on display at the Main Street Real Estate Gallery from October 1-December 30.
