m. trigos' Art

A Matter of Time

2011-11-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

This is a sculptural composition of worn-out boots, aged wood, and rusted metal (iron oxide). As you can see, I'm very much attracted to the unusual. I'm into what someone else puts aside, discards, or finds useless. Of course, hundreds of years ago the art world would have considered this type of work artistic heresy. If you think about it, some of us artists would have been taken to some sort of mental institution to reform our minds. In other words, we would have had to conform to strict parameters which would have severed our creativity. These are glorious days for the art world because we have come to tolerate, appreciate, and embrace madness with very little trouble. Enjoy A Matter of Time.

IT in Action

2011-10-31T09:17:00.000-07:00

IT in Action forms part of my 2011 postcards collection. I'm quite attracted to IT because it doesn't look for beauty or perfection but enthusiastic moves, positions. There is something in this piece that says, Oh well, let's have it! I'm all for it. I surrender. Anyhow I created this piece in watercolor, but I'm not ruling out "reworking" IT in oil. If that's the case, I'll use abundant texture which is my trademark when I work in oil. For some reason, I assume that my taste in meals and drinks are somewhat intertwined in how I work around my art. My meals and drinks are strong in taste. They have to snap me. They must invade my brains. Thus this is how I know I'm getting them in my system -- i.e. martini, espresso, wasabi, Tabasco, Cajun crawfish & gator. You get the picture, right? Right! Do I have to end this post with a C'ya later? Come on, let's put formalities aside. Enjoy the image, and don't get carried away. Cheers!

IT Evolution

2011-10-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

IT Evolution is part of my 2011 postcards collection. IT will, for sure, make it bigger, but I will keep it in watercolor which is the original medium in which I created this piece. IT doesn't call out for beauty but for enthusiastic positions, and that may be what makes the image attractive. There are different views of IT, and this one contemplates the how it came to be. As an artist this type of image has taken me away from my comfort zone, and I find that mighty dandy. Enjoy IT!

Martini Series #3

2011-10-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

This image forms part of my 2011 postcard collection. Some of my postcards end up as big oil paintings. However, I create most of my postcards in watercolor or mixed media which sounds reasonable to avoid oil's sticky situations. In the end, oil seems more suitable for canvases or hard surfaces. Now, what I like about working with watercolor is the fluidity that comes with it, there is very little paint pushing or stacking. I assume that's the case because watercolor is dry pigment diluted in water. Thus there is nothing more fluid than pure water. Well, guess what? That's when the designing of postcards gets to be fun. You move with the watercolor instead of making it move with you. At times, of course, you may do a fairly sizable work and customize it to smaller sizes. In my case, I prefer to see the idea in small scale first, and from there I may take it to a bigger size if it's coming across interesting/appealing. You get the picture, right? Right! Enjoy the image and feel free to tap me on the shoulder to get my attention.

Martini Series

2011-10-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is a very small oil painting which I will turn into a fairly large size. I painted it while playing around, and it pleased me because martini happens to be my favorite drink. I know the drink from the inside out. Thus we can only paint what's familiar, agreeable, plus what our brains grasp and embrace without restrains of any kind, without surrendering to inherited collective mind-patterns. I'm sure that you know that the same goes for writers. A decent writer understands his/her discussion. -- But -- an excellent writer knows how to give life to his/her subject without suffering an identity crisis. Martini series are simple in nature: This is to say there is very little abstraction. Martini series deals with the action rather than the idea. Trust me when I tell you that there will be Martini series t-shirts by m. trigos. I hope you get to wear one of those t-shirts with pride. Because when you are having a blast, you owe explanations to no one. I thank you for your visit, and keep on rocking!

Transfiguration

2011-09-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is a postcard, and it is part of my 2011 collection. In the near future, I will make some of my postcards into big oil paintings, at least some sort of decent size like 24'' x 36''. However, I'm not sure that I want to do that with Transfiguration. Here the subject comes across as a monologue instead of a conversation between two or more "beings". This time it's as if Transfiguration is doing its thing and wants to be left alone. So I won't rework it, but I will transfer the image into t-shirts. So for those of you interested in unusual t-shirts, message me. Of course, the trick will be to preserve its essence because watercolor is on a league of its own. I, of course, intend to do my best to make sure it comes out beautifully. Blah, blah. ;-)

IT's Physicality

2011-09-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

Exhibition of my artwork: It was Dale the one who gave the title to my exhibition, Physicality. Guess what? She hit the nail on the head! I do not think that I would have come up with a better title -- well, maybe -- LOL. Let me share with you these two sketches: Head of IT & IT in Color. I will work both sketches with oil very soon. The texture will be quite thick, and the colors will remain as shown in IT in Color. At times ideas come little by little, like a giant puzzle, but once we put the pieces together -- it makes sense. Enjoy the exhibition! Enjoy the sketches!

Fishy Pup

2011-09-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Fishy Pup is one of the many postcards I've created this year. The postcard making started as a gift idea to my new friends in the Southwest. Well, the little activity kept me entertained, perhaps so far as inspired. The work proved easy because I used watercolor to create them. Thus the cleaning of the brushes wasn't as annoying as it's when I work in oil. The size of the work enchanted me because it felt as if I was working at the speed of light. So the next step is to make of this postcard a 24'' x 36'' oil painting. When I get to it, I'll publish the post. In the mean time, enjoy the postcard. If you're interested in my work, you know where to find me, ask away, make a move! It's that simple -- wink, wink.

Alcira

2011-09-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

This is a mixed media painting, 18'' x 24''. The size is unusual because I tend to work much bigger pieces. However, I had to use this much smaller size because I took the painting with me on a long trip overseas. I wanted the work with me instead of having to worry if my luggage was going to get lost as it usually does. I'm sure you know what I mean. Well, you may know that my paintings are of thick nature. Even though this work isn't in oil, this piece remains quite thick in texture. I named it after my mother's nickname, Alcira. When I showed it to her, she found it interesting. Actually she liked it a lot, but what's a mother supposed to say about her daughter's work? Great? Of course! So I'm not going by what she said about this painting. I'm going by what I think. I like the painting, but that's why art is so darn great. It's distinctive. All of us have different tastes, and that's okay. The photo of this painting isn't that great because I used my Ipod instead of my regular camera. My husband has my regular camera with him in New York. I'll get both of them back in a few days. Thus I will update the post with a much better photo. In the mean time, this will have to do the job. Oh yeah, I haven't posted anything in over a year. I've had a very busy life, and that's all there's to it. I'm sure you've a very busy life too. Enjoy the painting, enjoy life.

Photo: Underneath the Surface

2010-05-15T11:05:00.000-07:00

At times, when we appear to be distracted, something somewhat unusual gets our attention. That's what happened when I was walking on a floor that had a misplaced tile, leaving the underneath totally uncovered. I looked at it for a minute or two, then ran to get the camera. The image has given me the impression of an abstract painting, in which the painter leaves the meaning up to the viewer. This has caused me to ponder quite a bit about how well attracted we are toward decaying artifacts. We have come to imitate what time does best, e.g., destroyed jeans, patinated sculptures, and rusted metals. However, in this case I just took the photo. I didn't alter what I saw before or after because in the end the untilled spot stood on its own. Its darkish and whitish segments give an unequivocal artistic perception. This little exercise gave me a good kick. Thus, if the post seems weird, I can only say, vive la différence.

Melted Lego

2010-04-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

By now you know I leave all poetry aside. This is to say that I get to the point. I describe the painting by giving its characteristics, and allow the visual perspective to speak for itself. However, this time I am including a close-up of this art piece--Melted Legos--to give you a real taste as if you were looking at it face-to-face, as if you can actually touch it with your own hands. Melted Legos is an oil painting, one of my favorite mediums. It is large in size, with true thickness on it, and yet I consider its texture somewhat conservative because I have worked pieces with greater thickness on the canvases. Let it be a footnote the fact that I did melt a bunch of legos when I was a child and put them together. Those weren't my legos, but my brother's. He wasn't too happy about it, but they for sure looked a lot cooler that way. This painting is going to be shown at Little Shanty Gallery. So I assume it will be on someone's wall a lot sooner than later because the gallery will offer plenty of events this coming summer. Donc bonne chance pour moi. I, of course, enjoyed my time with this artwork because it reminded me of the rascal in me--like the song says, Good times are here again.

Out of the Swamp

2010-04-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

This a small mixed media painting, very little texture in it but some. A friend of mine saw it when it became the final product and pointed out that it almost scared him a bit. Of course, when I told him its name, he said, I guess I have to watch my back around the swamps from now on. His comment made me laugh away. I hope he wasn't too serious about it. I assume there are scarier paintings out there; thus I consider Out of the Swamp quite mild in nature. I like its vibrant colors; its gaudy aspect makes it come to life (jump out, standout) besides its rich form in itself. However, I must confess paintings without texture aren't my cup of tea. I like it thick--one small chunk after another. It is important for me when it feels heavy, voluminous, and yet agreeable enough to hang in a cozy place where I or the buyer can admire it without restrains of any type. I would say this piece has given me the satisfaction that it doesn't feel constrained, but actually authoritative enough to make a point without upsetting the art lover. So enjoy your artistic journey as I have enjoyed mine with Out of the Swamp.

An Old Photo Part II

2010-03-25T08:08:00.001-07:00

This photo dates back to 1994, nothing digital about it (cheap camera). I remember clearly I was getting out of the boat when all of a sudden I saw this fisherman gutting the fish. He worked swiftly, one fish after another. His enthusiasm was hypnotizing. I continued to look around and noticed the fishermen had crowded the shore with their little humble boats. They busied themselves with their treasures, juicy fish. I stood in awe, but braved myself to ask him if it was okay for me to take his photo. He smiled and gave me the go-ahead. So I did. Yes, I remember the ponderous waves against my body, the long swims toward the unattainable horizon, and the warmth of the rays perched on my shoulders. However, it is the memory of the fisherman that has stayed on my mind the most. His work looked quite consequential to me as if he intended to feed a starving world as if preventing its collapse. Oh, there is so much we could learn from a man of the sea. There is nothing lame about the oceans and the men who live for it. Take note: The location of this photo is in northwest Venezuela, in the Falcon state, during vacation time--days of genuine pleasure.

An Old Photo Part I

2010-03-23T14:56:00.001-07:00

This is a 1990s photo, one of those when digital images were close to fiction instead of reality. The camera was as inexpensive as possible, or at a price a college student like myself could afford. Its clarity appears somewhat blurry, and yet we do get the point. There in front of me, and with their permission, a very humble couple who came to see the work we were doing (building modest homes for the less privileged of Juarez, Mexico). That was my first trip to Mexico, and among the poor I found plenty of people who smiled as if they were the wealthiest of the country. Their uncomplicated and truthful demeanor has stayed with me till this very day. I remember it was a very cold day, so they offered us what they had, great coffee. We drank some of it with them, perhaps one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had. It, for sure, wasn't Starbucks--actually much better, less pompous (and the Lord knows I love Starbucks). I was amazed when this couple told me they had been married for fifty years. For me that was incredible because they looked as if they had had a very hard life, and yet remained together in health and sickness, poverty and wealth. However, there was not much wealth around the entire place. Most of the houses in that community were made out of cardboard. The only brick homes were those we had built. There was not a single tree for miles, but abundant dirt--arid and almost unlivable as if constantly daring whatever or whoever was breathing. They walked tall and hard with their spirits up despite the grievous circumstances surrounding them. It was an honor to better the place; the task was worthy of our time and energy. Thank you!

Nov. Exhibition Announcement

2009-10-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

There is an exhibition of my artwork online. Take a look at
the virtual tart, and let's keep art rock & rolling! BTW, I am still working on that tedious painting I talked about it a while back--the much traveling this year have prevented me from finishing it a bit faster. However, I have been photographing and sketching like a maniac which suits me well. I will add some images in the future, but like some of you know by now ... I dislike to publish anything without images. Thus I am keeping this short, but don't forget to pay a visit to the exhibition. It is just a click away. Take note: Link will not work after December 2009! Exhibition is for a limited time.

In the Beginning

2009-08-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

This is a small, and yet sizeable enough for more than a fair glance, mixed media painting. I remember clearly how this little work came to be. All sweaty after a tennis match, a friend and I were talking about some of the different beliefs which are out there. Such subject, like politics, may be touchy for some people. We, of course, being excellent friends found the subject quite engaging; thus our conversation never represented a threat to either of us--even though we kept challenging our so-called educated opinions. Well, that very same day when I was alone in my studio, I started to work on a sketch for the painting. Voilà, the rest is history; In the Beginning was born with my dearest belief in mind and heart, art!

Tea at the Zoo

2009-06-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

When you are painting in front of somebody, you are more likely to receive some thoughts pertaining to your piece. Well, this was the case with Tea at the Zoo. I busied myself with the task while my dear friend kept running his mouth. Both, the painting and my friend, amused me to the utmost. So here we go again: This is an oil painting, large like most of my pieces, thick texture, and certainly vibrant and vigorous like my friend put it. Enjoy it, peace!

Our Lady of Feast

2009-04-29T22:07:00.001-07:00

This is a large oil piece, and with a lot of texture in it. Some artist believe there are a few art pieces that speak to them, as if holding a conversation just like you and I would. Our Lady of Feast feels that way, at least to me. For some reason this lady, maybe a nonreligious virgin, attempts to have a silent chat as if forced by an almost warm hand with a dilemma of its own--the woman, the cup, the fruit, or the breast. That's for someone to figure it out, but me because like the song says, all I wanna do is have some fun. Some serious fun, enjoy it!

January Update: Video & New Painting

2009-01-29T09:07:00.000-08:00

A new year has come with much more to do, and happy to do it all. As I promised you, I added a tiny video to December's post--Mr. Wonder, El Maravillas. Thus check it out. At the moment a very intricate painting has been taking a lot of my time. I will post a photograph of the painting when I finish it. I assume that it will take a pretty good while due to its complexity. So, what else is there to say about this work? It is an oil painting, and colors like red, yellow, blue, and white are its makeup like textured Lego toys put together. And I ... I continue to enjoy every single stroke on the canvas, and that counts for more than I able to put into words.

Mr. Wonder, El Maravillas

2008-12-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

For some reason I don't believe the entire blog has to be about me. Hooray! Thus this is why this month I am going to dedicate this article to someone who I believe is quite important, yet like many of us artists so very little well-known. However, I must say that he has never sought artistic exposure of any kind. He does his "thing" without any hope whatsoever in becoming some sort of super famous artist. He is known in Galicia, Spain as Mr. Wonder, El Maravillas, name pertaining more to the area where he lives than to a personal characteristic of himself. When one enters his house, it is like an outstanding Galician museum. He sculpts incredible creatures, people, and abstract forms out of wood. El Maravillas represents the typical Galician artist, and yet extremely authentic. He has become for me a source of inspiration, and his art for sure has humbled me tremendously. He is a self-taught artist who enjoys life as it comes, and no necessarily as he expects it to be. He, contrary to many of us artists, has a triple wealth. This is to say he is happy with his art, financially healthy, and eager to live his existence to the very maximum. We had a long conversation while drinking wine, aguardiente plus eating Spaniard cheese, ham, and chorizos with plenty of Galician bread. It is a privilege to speak to him, to listen to each of his jokes as well as his vast wisdom. In January I will add either a photo or a video of his art. At the moment, I am getting ready to go on another trip. Therefore, the visual image of this article will have to wait. My best wishes to all of you in this coming year 2009.

The New about Old News: Feeding Time

2008-11-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

Last month I participated in an art show at Little Shanty House Gallery. The curators named the exhibition 6 Women 6 Visions. The title seemed appropriate due to the fact that there were six of us female artists participating in the show. One of the most vivid recollections of the event that comes to mind was when an art collector told me this one is mine. Okay, that part went well, but there was a very awkward moment when someone asked me for my autograph. At first I thought it was a joke, but the individual was as serious as a heart attack or cancer. So I did give the darn signature, but I felt a bit of shame in doing that. So which painting did the art collector select? Feeding Time. It is a very large oil painting, with genuine thick texture, and surreal creatures as the main theme, aiming at their own nature with the regrettable attempt of human intervention.

Dog Bull Fight: Sold

2008-10-27T08:55:00.001-07:00

This is a mixed media painting, primitive-surrealist style, and minimum texture. In one way or another, my energetic dogs contributed to the creation of this very unambiguous piece. One of my newsest art collectors from England bought it, and his excitement seemed very obvious. I was standing outside of the gallery when my collector approached me to tell me that he had purchased Dog Bull Fight a few minutes earlier. His happy face matched the enthusiasm of his British accent when he told me, The Painting is mine. I bought it. I found myself, like always, with very little to say, but I did manage to express my gratitude. So the piece is gone, but the inspiration stays with me. Thus I shall continue my artistic journey.

Soul Taker: Little Shanty House

2008-09-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Mixed media on paper, this particular piece has broaden the horizon of my creative instincts and techniques. Thus Soul Taker is for sure a nonconformist individual who doesn't necessarily live in a bushy jungle (even though there are evident traces of it following him). For some people this may come across like a very imposing (authoritative) or scary painting to say the least. I, personally, find it enormously interesting because it did cause me to get out of my relatively comfort zone as an artist. The feeling of this new approach to my artistic journey doesn't threaten me at all. I enjoyed the process, and I'll be fascinated to meet the buyer of this distinctive artwork.

Moon-Sun Party: Little Shanty House Gallery SOLD

2008-09-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

Watercolor on paper in abstract-primitive style, this art piece has vibrant colors. Enjoyment tends to motivate most of my work day or night (sunny or moony). Thus passionate energy is always present in my artwork due to the enthusiasm my paintings like my sculptures depict. It is my believe that there is always something to make us laugh, to make us happy, and to live for. Therefore, I hope you enjoy this art journey as much as I have.

Fatty and Sleek: At Little Shanty, Sold

2008-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, very thick rich texture (which in other posts I have stated it is pretty much my artistic signature). I created Fatty and Sleek first with a computer program. The drawing entertained me because the characters weren't serious, but just there giving me a laugh. Thus I gave it a thought and decided to canvas it with oils. The painting can be for children or adults who haven't lost the child within them. This piece like some others will go to the gallery to be sold there, and without a frame because the edges are part of the painting. I, for sure, had a lot of fun working on it, and now that's finished I have to let it go.

Eyed Meal

2008-08-11T21:45:00.000-07:00

Mixed media painting on paper, this one will be sold at Little Shanty House Gallery. The framing of this piece was a bit difficult because I wanted it to be just right. Thus it did turn out quite well. I had fun creating it because I took it with me to different places (the house, the studio, and my favorite café). When it was done, I missed tugging it around with me. It started to feel like one of my body parts, and the thought did amuse me. Alas, it is a done deal, and soon it will belong to someone else. I enjoyed the ride, like always.

Shark's Precipitation: Sold

2008-08-03T22:12:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, this time I tried to capture a voracious shark under the current that seems to go his/her way like an upside down precipitation. For this painting I used a plastic mat and my left index finger instead of brushes. I, of course, had fun doing it that way because the technique pushed my artistic outer limits. This type of edge caused me a great deal of excitement. Thus once again, I enjoyed the process.

Night in New Orleans: To Be Sold at Little Shanty House Gallery

2008-08-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

This is an oil painting on canvas, thick texture (the kind you want to touch, and perhaps eat with your fingers). The gallery requested me to frame it, so I did. However, we know that the buyer will more likely change the frame, even though it is high quality and quite pricey. The nature of this painting blends in some sort of prudent enthusiasm, which opposes New Orleans' never ending parties. I did have a lot of fun creating this painting. Thus I hope the owner gets as excited as I did.

Vivian Huff, Gone with the Wind?

2008-07-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

In my freshman year during those awesome college days, I was at the university's bookstore with my hands full of books. On my way to one of the cash registers, my eyes got distracted when I saw one of Vivian Huff's designs on a postcard. I, of course, bought the postcard. I gave it a simple frame and placed it in my bathroom. Why did I like the postcard so much? Well, it had a lot to do with boldness. It felt like the song When I Fall in Love. Thus I have fallen in love with it and forever. The sad part of this pertains to the fact that I have tried to do a little research on Vivian Huff's artwork, and have found zip. She reminds me of that famous author Margaret Mitchell, Gone with the Wind. M. Mitchell wrote that novel, and the one and only one for which she became super well-known worldwide. This appears to be the case with V. Huff's original designs (one big job, end of the story). So doing some serious search here and there, I found a link that illustrates this post, Mr. Toilet Monster Man plus the photo I took of the postcard nailed to a tree.

Killer, What an Insect!

2008-07-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to kill an insect at home, go get a paper towel, and upon your return to the spot you find out that the insect is gone? Obviously you thought you had killed it. But the little animal played a trick on you. That's how a bad artistic review feels like. Someone tries to kill you with eloquent words about your work. Thus you play dead, and then you are gone. You move on because you long to find another person (hopefully a group of people) who will give more than a flip about your artwork. However, on your way to a new landscape of art lovers, you wonder about the possibilities of encountering another killer (someone who will attempt to exterminate your creative style with the determination of a merciless hunter who doesn't even give you time to catch your breath). Nevertheless, the good news is that you remain alive and kicking, and the hunter could be just another insect who pretends to be the lion of the jungle. The show must go on, so here I present to you Birds at Nature: Oil on canvas, 36x24, defiantly thick painting which refuses to roll over for the exclusive amusement of flesh-eaters.

Taboo: Outdoor Sculpture

2008-07-22T13:22:00.000-07:00

Art fascinates me (something that by now you know, right?). Furthermore, I am quite attracted to the people who look at an art piece, while I observe it as diligently as they do. So I divide my attention between the artwork and the viewers. This is to say those who give serious and puzzled glances like the two women on the right side of this photo I took in Montréal. Society's deceptive scruples have created unsurpassed taboos which have always attempted to subjugate the creativity of artists who may seem outrageous like Joel-Peter Witkin (and even the filmaker Woody Allen). Thus art can only be art, and for its own sake.

Distraction

2008-07-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

Oil on canvas, I used a stick to do this painting for the amusement of my creativity. At first I tried this method with a very small canvas. I liked the effects, and selected the colors without ulterior motives. However, the process on the larger size required me to use all of my muscles with all distractions out the window.

Washed Away

2008-07-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Mixed media, this is one of my early works. For some reason, this painting reveals how nature's innocent slaps crushes human altruism, bringing the person to the very front and leaving behind the semi-far crowed buildings (from where this person perhaps got washed away). Thus it seems that boldness has a price, life itself.

Inspiration

2008-07-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

Where do we find the inspiration to do our artwork?
The answer varies in nature, even our own.
Photos taken by M. Trigos.

Flowers at Wild: Sold

2008-07-11T21:12:00.000-07:00

Acrylic painting on paper. The story behind this painting has a lot to do with the fact that one of my relatives loves art. Thus for two years she kept telling me that she wanted me to paint something for her. At last I accepted this commissioned work, and it turned out that I (personally) like the painting as much as she does. So everybody is happy.

Early Leaves: Sold

2008-06-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

Mixed media. This style captivated some college people, and I had the opportunity to sell a few paintings like this one. However, I did give away one of them to a very dear former English professor of mine. I am sure Oliver continues to enjoy her gift as much as the art collector who bought Early Leaves.

Rendezvous: Sold

2008-06-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

Mixed media painting. I finished it in a day, which is not always the case. Thus I believe that my motivation level was quite high when I was creating this piece. It felt like a fantastic journey!

The Red Eye: Sold

2008-06-19T23:17:00.000-07:00

This is a mixed media painting. It was bought by the same art collector who purchased The Eye. It is a difficult thing to see the work leaving my sight, but the idea is to enjoy the process.

The Eye: Sold

2008-04-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

Thick oil painting on canvas, quite tridimensional, and unapologetic. On the day I sold this piece, I had a really rough day. Of course, it all changed once I saw a check for a few thousand. The sweat was gone and so was the painting.