I G N A C I O M O N T A N O
I was born in lower California.
My artistic inclinations were recongnized when I was four years old by my father who saw that , to use his own words, that I was " an artist in miniature " and that I would become an artist ( this was said and written by him in a poem made it to me then) .
Attended medical school at the Autonoma University but after 2 years switch to the University Art School - just as my father had predicted.
My artistic visions did not fit in the traditional curriculum of the Art School . Shortly there after I began working on my own artistic development independently and continuosly up to today.
In 1976 with the spacecraft Viking landing in Mars. Was like an artistic epiphany : I saw as my artistic mission to capture the endless human and artistic possibilities the Cosmos offered.
My artistic sensitivities were further impacted in 2002 when I was fortunated enough to find my self in northern Mexico in an area that reminded me of an extraterrestrial landscape , the spectacular melted shapes and forms served to inspired and add a new pahase in my work up to today.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
ESSAY
My work
For many people, art is the only way to escape from reality, get aesthetic pleasure, and relax from the routine. For me , it is the tool for expressing my self-identity, my thoughts,doubs, and fears. It is an incredible power, which subordinated my life and endowed it with a deep sense. I am who I am, and I am still searching for my self everywhere. My paintings and sculptures characterize my attitude to life, my belfiefs, and key ideas. I am an artist who hopes that my work can chage the surrounding world bringing radiant colors into it. I have chosen surrealism since it has virtually no limits for imagination, while its dream like and openness impresses our world
Indeed, there is a universe of aspects in the surrouding world, which attract my attentio. I firmly believe that the genuine artist can find inspiration everywhere - in the lips of the beloved person, in his dreams, and even in some monents, which seem insignificant for othe people. I find inspiration in the maco-micro universe of our many planets, skys, and moons, suns, and a countless of other space objects. Also, when traveling in deffernt countries, I managed to find the extraterrestrial landscapes in Mexico, which reshaped my artistic aspirations.
It was my father who inluenced my artistic development believing in my skills and abilities. He was very proud to admit that my artistic vision did not fit the established cannons. He always told me that I was defferent from other people and I had to recognize this identity.
Following the advice of my father, I am not afraid to be different, and the uniqueness of my artistic manner inspires many people.
The contemporary art has a plethora of ways for the artist expression. As for me, I have always been interested in the space exploration since I believe that this topic is exciting and multifaceted. I do not like to paint people since the human body is just the shell, which is not that significant in the nature of my self. I prefer to concentrate on the hidden mysteries and secrets of the human soul. The landing of the spacecraft "Viking" on Mars became the turning point that influenced my choice. My artistic vision became very focused on the new opportunities provided by such an acomplichment. Indeed , this event marked a new era in many spheres of human activity. It helped the dreamers like Elon Musk and many others believe that nothing is impossible.
For me, space symbolizes the immense world of human loneliness. My works are very different although they are painted some times in varied and in similar colors. As for my sculptures, I used various matrials including aluminum, glass, plastic tubing and a myriad of other components and materials, to make them appear as spaceships ready to for take-off. In all my works, I try to combine the elements of the technological advancement with the futuristic approach.
As one may notice, the space exploration is a particularly facinating sphere of work. All the painters and sculptors working with this theme have never been to Mars;it is their imagination that creates the fascinating pictures of the unexplored Planet.My paintings, sculptures and prints are the representatives of my vision. I do not know if it is right or wrong, but it is me. By selling my work, I give people a tiny part of my soul.I can not put my feelings into words when I hear that people like my works; it means that we are on the same eternal universal search of the imagination, woander and dicovery.
As for my cherished dreams, I want to visit one day the three most beloved sobjects of my work Mars, Europa and Eceladus.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
ESSAY
My work
For many people, art is the only way to escape from reality, get aesthetic pleasure, and relax from the routine. For me , it is the tool for expressing my self-identity, my thoughts,doubs, and fears. It is an incredible power, which subordinated my life and endowed it with a deep sense. I am who I am, and I am still searching for my self everywhere. My paintings and sculptures characterize my attitude to life, my belfiefs, and key ideas. I am an artist who hopes that my work can chage the surrounding world bringing radiant colors into it. I have chosen surrealism since it has virtually no limits for imagination, while its dream like and openness impresses our world
Indeed, there is a universe of aspects in the surrouding world, which attract my attentio. I firmly believe that the genuine artist can find inspiration everywhere - in the lips of the beloved person, in his dreams, and even in some monents, which seem insignificant for othe people. I find inspiration in the maco-micro universe of our many planets, skys, and moons, suns, and a countless of other space objects. Also, when traveling in deffernt countries, I managed to find the extraterrestrial landscapes in Mexico, which reshaped my artistic aspirations.
It was my father who inluenced my artistic development believing in my skills and abilities. He was very proud to admit that my artistic vision did not fit the established cannons. He always told me that I was defferent from other people and I had to recognize this identity.
Following the advice of my father, I am not afraid to be different, and the uniqueness of my artistic manner inspires many people.
The contemporary art has a plethora of ways for the artist expression. As for me, I have always been interested in the space exploration since I believe that this topic is exciting and multifaceted. I do not like to paint people since the human body is just the shell, which is not that significant in the nature of my self. I prefer to concentrate on the hidden mysteries and secrets of the human soul. The landing of the spacecraft "Viking" on Mars became the turning point that influenced my choice. My artistic vision became very focused on the new opportunities provided by such an acomplichment. Indeed , this event marked a new era in many spheres of human activity. It helped the dreamers like Elon Musk and many others believe that nothing is impossible.
For me, space symbolizes the immense world of human loneliness. My works are very different although they are painted some times in varied and in similar colors. As for my sculptures, I used various matrials including aluminum, glass, plastic tubing and a myriad of other components and materials, to make them appear as spaceships ready to for take-off. In all my works, I try to combine the elements of the technological advancement with the futuristic approach.
As one may notice, the space exploration is a particularly facinating sphere of work. All the painters and sculptors working with this theme have never been to Mars;it is their imagination that creates the fascinating pictures of the unexplored Planet.My paintings, sculptures and prints are the representatives of my vision. I do not know if it is right or wrong, but it is me. By selling my work, I give people a tiny part of my soul.I can not put my feelings into words when I hear that people like my works; it means that we are on the same eternal universal search of the imagination, woander and dicovery.
As for my cherished dreams, I want to visit one day the three most beloved sobjects of my work Mars, Europa and Eceladus.