My work blends my interest in human psychology, community and love for decoration and embellishment. I love to see people smile and the stories I build make that possible. I enjoy the art in folk and craft objects. I use traditional and iconic imagery and forms to make my work feel familiar. Through the narratives I choose, I bring whimsical, serious and approachable aspects into the objects. I realize that even when the content is heavy it can still be made accessible. This accessibility manifests itself through humor, decoration and homage to historical traditions. I love decoration! I enjoy how heavy decoration can seem parasitic, yet it beckons to be adored and looked at. Decoration adds a layer of stimulation to an object. Its intended to give pleasure. The more intently you look, the more rewarding it will be. Community is a strong force that influences my artwork and life. I value the communities that I have formed and am continuing to expand on. My artwork aims to bring people closer and act as markers for people to congregate around. Larger pieces are a community experience because they quickly evolve into a project of lifting, moving, loading, cursing and celebrating because of the assistance I require to create them. Friends are important, and a strong community is key.
Bio
Born and raised in the border city of El Paso, TX, George Rodriguez creates highly ornamented, ceramic sculptures, often underlined by a connection to sociopolitical themes. His guardian figures, tomb sculptures, and installations, commemorate and build community. His most recent projects include a permanent installation at the new Kansas City International Airport, a community tile mural at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia, and an outdoor public sculpture at CASA of Maryland, an immigration advocacy organization in Baltimore. His work has shown extensively throughout the U.S. including the Whatcom Museum, Bellingham, WA; Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA; Canton Art Museum, Canton, OH; amongst others. His sculptures are part of the collections of the National Museum of Mexican Art, Chicago, IL; the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen College of Computer Science and Engineering, Seattle, WA; Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington D.C. and the National Museum in Stockholm, Sweden amongst others. Rodriguez holds a BFA from the University of Texas El Paso and an MFA from the University of Washington, Seattle. He is an Assistant Professor at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia and was featured on PBS Craft in America "Storytellers" episode.
