Julio Reyes' Art

From Julio's website, www.julioreyes.com/ :

Julio Reyes B. 1982

Born in Hollywood and raised in the urban sprawls of Los Angeles, Julio’s distinct artistic aesthetic was shaped early on by the platinum light and expansive concrete horizons of southern California. In his youth, Reyes was an athlete of uncommon ability and talent. It seemed that he would take the path of a professional soccer player, but in a surprising move Julio decided to pursue an even greater passion, art. Julio earned a BFA in Painting and Drawing with a minor in Sculpture at the Laguna College of Art and Design in 2005. After graduation, he married his art school sweetheart and dove headfirst into a life of art making.

Through skillful craft and exquisite handling, Julio shares with us a unique and passionate vision in painting, drawing and sculpture. His work often depicts intimate dramas; brief moments of unnoticed grandeur; tender souls grappling with the pressures of modern life, and a compassionate, thought provoking vision of what it is to be, treading alone in the increasingly virtual and unsympathetic environment of our modern age. Within his work, one witnesses the intense drama of humanity, the depth of passion within us all, and the need for belonging within our contemporary existence.

There is seemingly always more to the story than what is initially seen. Julio weaves layers of content, depth of feeling and intensity within rich layers of paint, graphite, and coal.

“The most meaningful sources of inspiration in my art are the people, places, and things I know best. As a child, my imagination was fueled by family stories of tremendous adversity, sorrow, perseverance, and the incredible deeds of those who journeyed far to become American citizens. I have always been moved by the human capacity to love, dream, and persevere, with great courage and sincerity, in spite of a vast and un-sympathetic Nature. To a cynical art world that may sound silly, but to me it is one of the miracles, and beautiful mysteries of life.
I want to create art for the rest of my life according to my highest calling and fullest abilities. If I can transmit, through my work, even the smallest semblance of the love and awe that I have for life – I will have truly done something. I want to look back on a life of meaningful and serious works of art; Art that stands against the growing nihilism and superficiality of our time -- and with fixed purpose celebrates the beauty and immensity of life.”