Here is an assortment of new pieces from mostly from fall 2017 and spring 2018. As always reflecting on my family and the world around us ... also tattoos, Tony Fitzpatrick and how salvaged frames are never square.
In July of 2015, I became pen pals with an man in solitary confinement at Pelican Bay State Prison through an amazing program called Human Rights Pen Pals. My pen pal is a human rights activist, a teacher and a true friend. This is a series of pieces I created reflecting on solitary torture and mass incarceration.
Collaborative works reflecting on solitary confinement from both sides of the walls
My irises reflect the visions of painful teardrops Loved ones, held captive in cages – feel the pain and depression Helplessness just grips the consciousness – from many years of oppression Feels like I’m lost beyond the void, deep in the grips of the vortex Reflecting on past transgressions, trials, makes me a martyr Know well… the marks of sacrifices inflicted by multiple weapons Psychological torture, soldiers buried, deep in the depths of the gallows Precious daughters, teardrops Depletes the soul, she’s reaching for her father Rage it grips the chest, numbs the pain, deep inside me Tell me why - do we let peers suffer? People treated like subjects,captive in cages, chains and shackles, stripped from our loved ones Why can’t we rise and just come together? When one rises, we rise together From the darkness, I could see the sunrise, at the edge of the struggle United we stand – tall on solid ground from all the strength of our supporters The tides have changed – see better days – and even after the rain Rodolfo A. Lopez |
The words that I recite, will never die, Immortalized, up in my mind. I find - the verses I'm manifesting, are spiritual elements that release me from these dark crevices. Watch me be more than your statistic, surpass your every expectation. Strong, loyal and dedicated, I remain the only master of my destiny’s destination. I am much more than just a simple vessel in a box. I am much more than just these words I am reflecting. For my blazing soul remains unconquered and like a bird soaring, my spirits free Rodolfo A. Lopez |
fall 2015 things come together
fall 2014 ... creatures and kid s
at this point of time my art became somewhat less text based and more a way to quiet my mind, I find myself starting from an image and creating the story
I have a lot going on in my head, and early on words inspired images. My pieces were often inspired by song lyrics, something i read, or what my children said. I borrowed freely from their art and what ever I could find around our house or at the local craft store. I love adding and removing layers of texture. It makes me think of old houses back east where I grew up - layers of old paint and wallpaper that hold a family history