We
know that art is an essential element of our lives. It’s where
we find the beauty and emotion of what is around us. For this to work
out we must have artists who are committed to their work and are authentic
in what they do.
That’s what two talented artists are doing at EPCC. Their names
are Andy Bargas and Anthony Rodriguez. Both are driven and inspired
by nature and originality.
“Enjoy
life and don’t be afraid to try new things,” said Bargas.
He has been painting for almost ten years, and he explained that he’s
never been happier than today, doing what he likes to do.
In this time, Bargas has completed more than a hundred paintings.
His passion is to paint. “I love painting… love to experiment.”
He explained how since he was a child, he drew and painted figures,
but it wasn’t until later that he was drawn to art.
Bargas’ life hasn’t been that easy . He had a major operation
and went trough hard times. “After Chemotherapy I was ready
to enjoy life,” said Bargas. “By then, living was my major
inspiration.”
Andy
Bargas
Photo by Luis Nieto Dickens
Bargas’
paintings scream simplicity and are more abstract than anything. He
uses colors in different ways to acknowledge its depth, and he always
asks himself, “do the colors make sense?”
Bargas and Rodriguez have something interesting in common. They don’t
sketch anything. All of their paintings are improvised. They love
how from a simple idea, a really interesting painting can emerge.
Rodriguez is 24, and he has been painting for almost one year. “I
love ancient cultures, and that is my inspiration,” Rodriguez
said.
Rodriguez is also President of the Art Student Society, but mentioned
how he has never been so busy. “It’s a lot of work, I
barely have time to sleep,” Rodriguez said. Aside form being
president, Rodriguez is also a student and he explained how important
it is for students to be involved in art.
“Credibility is equally important as talent,” Rodriguez
said. His paintings all have deeply defined meanings. They deal with
emotion, and affects by forces that appeal to different senses that
are out of our control. With a sense of balance and movement, Rodriguez
plays with form and color to form an interesting composition.
Rodriguez also assists with many events at EPCC, one of them being
“Empty Bowls,” which is a non-profit cause for the homeless.
“I want to gather people and expose them to art, and at the
same time help the community.”
Both Bargas and Rodriguez seem to be very true to their art. Bargas
has turned 51 now, and says that he will continue painting as he has
always done for many years, and also mentioned that he would never
give up art.
Bargas’ paintings are in display at the EPCC art department
hallways, where he can be found walking around. Rodriguez can be reached
at the art department office and will be happy to talk to students
who are interested in art.
