(Image: Calixto Robles, Sandias, silk screen, 23x37.5"; © Calixto Robles)

Calixto Robles  (b. Oaxaca, Mexico)

My work is inspired by the myths, symbols, colors, and ancient traditions of Meso-AmeriCA While in the midst of working these traditional influences arise spontaneously, accidentally, and in the moment. I use natural and supernatural figures such as angels, eagles, jaguars, horses, hearts, and moons.  My focus in painting is to create textured complex, and magical realms. I rework the image many times completely changing the composition, subject matter, and color, until finally arriving at the finished piece. The paintings pass through many renditions and moods like daydreams.

Hand building in ceramics brings me back to the earliest memories I have of making art. It allows me to be in contact with this element earth which is so tactile, generous, and humble. My clay figures are inspired by my personal vocabulary that has been influenced by Pre-Columbian sculptures.

Calixto Robles recently exhibited at Back to the Picture Latin American Gallery.

Education: Universidad Autonoma Benito Juarez de Oaxaca, Mexico, 1980 - 1983.  Talle de Artes Plasticas Rufino Tamayo, Oaxaca, Mexico, 1994.  Art Studio of the University of California in Berkeley, 2002.

More about Calixto Robles  here...(ArtSlant Profile) (Artist's Website) (Gallery)