The above picture is of
Rodolfo Escalera
Rodolfo Escalera was born in Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico in 1929. He fell in love with drawing at a young age. But his father discouraged his creativity and forbade him from becoming a professional artist. Instead Escalera became an architect. This allowed himself to express his creative ability, but still please his father.
After his father's death Escalera moved with his family to California. He worked cutting stencils in Los Angeles for Galindo and Burroughs, he was an artist for Hollywood Production Art, he opened his own art agency, Escalera Production Art Inc. In 1981 he began creating designs for collectible porcelain plates including a set of 9 plates depicting Olympic events which were declared "The Official Gift of the 1984 Olympics". He also designed a painting that was converted into a limited edition collectible plate for the 1985 World Cup Soccer Championship that was held in Mexico City. Upon retirement, he moved back to his hometown in Durango mexico, built a beautiful hacienda, and pursued his passion - oil painting.
This will link you to Rodolfo Escalera's painting titled Rio Suchiate (click on the image to enlarge it):
I choose this piece of art because I think it wonderfully represents Latin America. I think it represents Latin America because it truly captures the region's beauty. I think it shows the beauty of the land and it's people. The waterfall and greenery in the background are simply breathtaking. I love the bright colors and patterns of the clothing of the Native people. This demonstrates the beauty of the culture of the indigenous people. The painting is of native people crossing the river. One woman is carrying a child and another is balancing a basket of flowers on her head. The painting takes an action so normal and routine to these people as well as their culture and who they are as a people and uses these elements to reveal to the viewer the beauty of this region that people overlook.
Rodolfo Escalera's goal was to leave behind as many beautiful works of art as he could and to be remembered in Mexico after he passed away. He described each of his works of art as "a labor of love". All of his heart went into the making of each of his pieces and a part of him was left wrapped around each one. He loved his country and wanted everybody to see the beauty of it just like he did. I think that this piece of artwork does exactly that!
If you would like to view the painting Rio Suchiate, this painting will be on display in October at " A Night of Escalera". This painting is also available in reproductions. If interested please contact escaleraartinc@charter.net or escaleraartinc.com
ReplyDeleteIf I may make a correction the website to view Escaleras portfolio is www.escaleraart.com, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing painting depicting the trade route on the Rio Suchiate, a river between Columbia and Mexico. This trade passage has been used for hundred of years starting with Corn, Textiles and Pottery. The color and detail are unbelievable. This painting was one of the last paintings Escalera finished.
ReplyDeleteWhile finishing this painting, Mr. Escalera stated that his dream of teaching one of his daughters how to paint along with her dream were completed. Rodolfo Escalera's daughter "Alma" passed away a couple of years prior to this painting. However, while painting Rio Suchiate, Rodolfo felt his daughter in the room next to his side learning his magic to the last stroke on the canvas. Rodolfo Escalera's peace of mind had been met now that he was able to show and share his talent with his daughter.