You are currently in 4-4/Columns  

I stared at my computer screen, intending to write this month's arts and culture article...and came up blank.  I wanted to present you with something life-changing, something that would impact your views of artwork at the roots, and stir a deep passion in you without coming across as sappy.  I began thinking about what has affected my artwork the most deeply and realized it hasn't been a "what" as much as it's been a "who."  So, despite the informational nature of the past two articles, this is going to be a bit more personal.


There have been two major artists in my life that have directly influenced my artwork and lifestyle. Notice that I said "directly"--so many other people have encouraged me to pursue my passions for culture that I could never list them all.  (Sorry, Mom, maybe I'll write an article about you next month.)


The first of these two influences, was my first art teacher, Kitty Harvill.  She introduced me to different mediums, created the groundwork for artistic development, and listened to me.  I didn't really stick with any of the conventional art mediums she introduced me to, but she taught me a lot about developing my own style, and not bursting into tears when a piece of art didn't look exactly as I'd originally pictured it.

The most influential artist I've known, however, was Harry Fonseca.  Now I would like to spread his insights on to you in his memory.  Harry died of brain cancer in December of 2006, three months after I'd last seen him.  The first time I met him I was rather complacent about the occasion--I'd set my artwork aside for other hobbies and wasn't really sure what could be so special about him. 


The day I spent with him was incredible. Despite my being a geeky thirteen year old, he answered all of my questions patiently, and gave me tools to rekindle my love of art.  He described his painting, "The Creation" (which now resides in the National Smithsonian Museum of The American Indian), with a rolled up brochure, in a tiny museum in Santa Fe, NM.  The painting looked enormous housed in the confined area, and I sat riveted at his detailed description of this powerful painting.



Later that day, we were at his house and he had a piece of artwork that he wanted to show me.  I followed him into his bedroom and saw a painting hanging above the bed.  I commented on what I liked about it, and he instructed me to get closer.  So, I went and stood at the head of the bed.  Again, he urged me to look more closely--he said to take off my shoes, and stand on his bed.  Hesitantly, I did as he'd asked only to have him further instruct me to stand on his pillows, barefoot, and get an up close look at this piece of artwork.  As nervous and self-conscious I was, it was a liberating feeling.


That was the sort of feeling that Harry left you with, and the kind of lifestyle he lived; There were no reservations, no compromises for the appreciation of artwork, or life.  I left that day with a renewed interest in artwork and developing my own style, my brain overwhelmed with all of the instructions and suggestions he'd given me.

I saw him again, three years later, over my 16th birthday, and spent another incredible day with him.  I'd had a little correspondence with him, continued to follow his work during the interim, and knew that he was struggling with brain cancer. He was incredibly lucid that day, however, and again inspired me beyond belief.


One of the things that I adored most about Fonseca was that no matter how talented you were (or weren't), if you felt like you were an artist, then you were in his eyes. Even during his last few months, when he was weak, or confused, he reflected this incredible life and energy that couldn't be duplicated.  I think that's the thing I'll remember most about him, as a student and apprentice of his work.  


Fonseca's artwork is characterized by an eclectic mix of his Nisenan Maidu, Hawaiian, and Portuguese heritage. His most popular southwest art is found in paintings featuring Coyote and Rose, two whimsical coyote characters who Fonseca depicts in many situations. Many art critiques have criticized his work for being too unconventional to be classified as southwest or American-Indian.  Others, however, believe he's a pioneer, who is redefining southwestern influenced art.  Regardless of how you classify his artwork, his personality was genuine, and passionate--and that is clear every time I sit in front of "The Creation" in the Smithsonian, or look up at my pieces at home, or look through the gallery on his website.

It is my hope that I can reflect his ideals, and live life with no reservations.  Pursue your passions, and don't fear ambition.



Check out these links to find out more about Fonseca's work.
http://www.harryfonseca.com
http://www.nmai.si.edu/

 

Print       E-mail      

Angkor Blowing on Embers - A Tribute to Harry Fonseca Impressions of Hungary The Finding of Spiritual Gifts