EL PLACAZO COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
digital edition
Expand for full screen issue.
Check out our new podcast, El Placazo Live! Arts, community, and lively conversation. new episodes regularly.
Featured video
|
|
Check out what folks had to say at San Anto's last community paint day at our latest new mural (soon to be installed at Market Square).
|
Featured Articles
Artists Interviews: Gerardo "Gerry" Garcia
Prominent Tattoo Artist Gerardo Garcia shares his thoughts and some insight of his life
So can you introduce yourself and tell me where you are from and where you reside now?
My name is Gerardo Quetzatl Garcia. I was born on the west side of San Antonio Tx. I still live there to this day.
Can you recall the first artwork you saw, and was that what introduced you to the art world ?
The first piece of art( meaning the one that made the biggest impression on me) I can remember seeing as a child was an oil painting of Emiliano Zapata painted by my godfather Eloy Zapata. It hung in my grandma's living room.
How long have you been doing,directing, creating,coordinating art?
I made the decision to become a professional artist at the age of 7. I sold my 1st piece at the age of 10, so you could say 30 years.
As a former CMP what were some of your favorite projects you worked on or which one is the
most memorable?
My first project as Mural Coordinator for SACA was "Lideres en la Comunidad", which was by far the most fun & energetic project I lead. My personal lifefavorite was "Brighter Days", which proved to be the most challenging.
I follow you on social media and I see your work which is in the tattoo world can you tell me what
sparked that?, and I believe that is your full time profession correct?
Yes, I have been tattooing for 22 years now. I started my apprenticeship at 17 when I was a senior in high school. My older sister's friend Dominic Soria offered to teach me due to my drawing & painting skills. To be honest, it was pure luck. I hadn't considered tattooing at all at that point in my life, but I never shied away from an opportunity to learn a new artistic medium.
I think you and I are around the same age 40's, growing up what were some of the difficult obstacles or hurdles you had to go through?
The biggest hurdle was always money. Growing up the youngest of 4, & the son of a brick mason & part-time seamstress, we never had extra cash for anything, let alone art supplies. Programs like SACA's mural program allowed me to actually use paint & brushes, and learn from more experienced artists.
Can you explain why Public Art/Mural ism is so vital for our community?
Being a product of the program, having volunteered on some of the early murals as a teen, it gave me a clear direction. An avenue to pursue public art as both a form of expression, a tool for learning, and an opportunity for collaboration. It also obviously provides a more productive outlet than kids have out on the streets.
So during this outbreak and shut down what have you been working on,
and What advice can you give to others out there mainly artists.
I have been conceptualizing a lot. My process usually consists of a lot of pre planning before paint meets canvas. I'm spending a lot of time drawing with my 2 daughter's, which is fun. To be honest, this whole experience took the wind out of my sails at first. I was used to a natural flow between tattooing & painting, but now that I can't tattoo, I'm stuck trying to self motivate to paint. Pretty soon, I'll get busy with my brushes and release that pent up energy.
I'd advise artists to save. Save for a rainy day, don't live outside your means. Adults with real responsibilities don't give a Damn what brand your shoes are or how old your car is.
Do you have any plans to try some new mediums, if so what are you thinking of?
I wouldn't mind learning how to airbrush, or silversmithing, but I don't have any immediate plans in the works.
Do you have any great book recommendations that we may be sleeping on?
"Cranial Visions" is a great book with countless skull related imagery.
"These blue arms vol 1&2" are great for historic info & imagery related to one of our county's greatest Tattooers & machine builders, Aumund Dieztel. His work predates the more famous Sailor Jerry.
well I believe that's it, feel free to say, mention anything you want
I'd just like to mention that I consider it a true privilege of my lifetime to have my time as SACA's mural coordinator coincide with the final years of Manuel Castillo's time with the organization. Together, we created so many awesome projects & most notably gave Adriana Garcia her first opportunity to lead a mural project, which is an awesome piece of history to be part of.
Prominent Tattoo Artist Gerardo Garcia shares his thoughts and some insight of his life
So can you introduce yourself and tell me where you are from and where you reside now?
My name is Gerardo Quetzatl Garcia. I was born on the west side of San Antonio Tx. I still live there to this day.
Can you recall the first artwork you saw, and was that what introduced you to the art world ?
The first piece of art( meaning the one that made the biggest impression on me) I can remember seeing as a child was an oil painting of Emiliano Zapata painted by my godfather Eloy Zapata. It hung in my grandma's living room.
How long have you been doing,directing, creating,coordinating art?
I made the decision to become a professional artist at the age of 7. I sold my 1st piece at the age of 10, so you could say 30 years.
As a former CMP what were some of your favorite projects you worked on or which one is the
most memorable?
My first project as Mural Coordinator for SACA was "Lideres en la Comunidad", which was by far the most fun & energetic project I lead. My personal lifefavorite was "Brighter Days", which proved to be the most challenging.
I follow you on social media and I see your work which is in the tattoo world can you tell me what
sparked that?, and I believe that is your full time profession correct?
Yes, I have been tattooing for 22 years now. I started my apprenticeship at 17 when I was a senior in high school. My older sister's friend Dominic Soria offered to teach me due to my drawing & painting skills. To be honest, it was pure luck. I hadn't considered tattooing at all at that point in my life, but I never shied away from an opportunity to learn a new artistic medium.
I think you and I are around the same age 40's, growing up what were some of the difficult obstacles or hurdles you had to go through?
The biggest hurdle was always money. Growing up the youngest of 4, & the son of a brick mason & part-time seamstress, we never had extra cash for anything, let alone art supplies. Programs like SACA's mural program allowed me to actually use paint & brushes, and learn from more experienced artists.
Can you explain why Public Art/Mural ism is so vital for our community?
Being a product of the program, having volunteered on some of the early murals as a teen, it gave me a clear direction. An avenue to pursue public art as both a form of expression, a tool for learning, and an opportunity for collaboration. It also obviously provides a more productive outlet than kids have out on the streets.
So during this outbreak and shut down what have you been working on,
and What advice can you give to others out there mainly artists.
I have been conceptualizing a lot. My process usually consists of a lot of pre planning before paint meets canvas. I'm spending a lot of time drawing with my 2 daughter's, which is fun. To be honest, this whole experience took the wind out of my sails at first. I was used to a natural flow between tattooing & painting, but now that I can't tattoo, I'm stuck trying to self motivate to paint. Pretty soon, I'll get busy with my brushes and release that pent up energy.
I'd advise artists to save. Save for a rainy day, don't live outside your means. Adults with real responsibilities don't give a Damn what brand your shoes are or how old your car is.
Do you have any plans to try some new mediums, if so what are you thinking of?
I wouldn't mind learning how to airbrush, or silversmithing, but I don't have any immediate plans in the works.
Do you have any great book recommendations that we may be sleeping on?
"Cranial Visions" is a great book with countless skull related imagery.
"These blue arms vol 1&2" are great for historic info & imagery related to one of our county's greatest Tattooers & machine builders, Aumund Dieztel. His work predates the more famous Sailor Jerry.
well I believe that's it, feel free to say, mention anything you want
I'd just like to mention that I consider it a true privilege of my lifetime to have my time as SACA's mural coordinator coincide with the final years of Manuel Castillo's time with the organization. Together, we created so many awesome projects & most notably gave Adriana Garcia her first opportunity to lead a mural project, which is an awesome piece of history to be part of.
Artist Interviews: Victor Zarazua Interview with Crystal “Cry” Tamez
Growing up in San Antonio’s most known zip code 78207, Crystal Tamez a self taught Artist has carefully carved out a niche in San Antonio’s long standing West Side Mural Culture. Only a handful of artists can say they have created or restored some of San Antonio’s most important murals. Having a working & personal relationship with Crystal I have seen her work aesthetics multiply in the last few years.
Crystal can you tell me the earliest memory you have of seeing art?
My earliest memories of seeing art was when I would receive envelopes and Panyos from my father from prison. I also feel I got my Chicana style from seeing lowrider magazines. And becoming a member of San Anto Cultural Art.
At this point in time who is your favorite artist? And why?
My favorite artist right would be a tattoo artist named Jose Lopez . I grew up on his artwork from Lowrider magazine admiring his drawings and his tattoo techniques. I later found out he was in a wheelchair. Which made me admire him even more to know he overcame his obstacles and became a respected artist.
So I know you are a sort of jack of all trades, can you elaborate on what mediums you have worked with?
Yes I am an artist who works for different mediums such as acrylic, oil, clay, mosaics, and tattooing.
Crystal how old are you and how long have you been working in the art field?
I am 33 years old and I've been in the art field since I was 8 years old working on a public art piece with San Anto Cultural Arts.
I’ve known you a long time now, and I’ve seen you grow a lot as an artist could you tell me some of the obstacles you had to overcome to get you to this point in the art world?
I would say some obstacles I would have to overcome in the art world would be working alongside people who have art degrees. I myself am a self-taught artist. Teaching myself new techniques by reading books or using the internet to perfect my skills.
If given a chance to work with a new medium what medium would you like to use and what direction would you take?
If I could work with a new medium I will choose to work with metal learning how to weld. I feel like there aren't many women who can weld and create metal sculptures I feel like that would be my advantage as a female artist. I would try to create unique sculptures that are cultural and try to sell them to potential clients.
Can you expand on that and what being apart of San Anto was back then?
I have been apart of San Anto since 1996 working on their first community garden mural.
Being a part of San Anto was an outlet for me to get away and tell my west side stories expressing myself in it's paper El Placazo San Anto was my escape from all the madness the west side had to offer because of San Anto I become something more to the community making my west side a beautiful place.
Any advice or something you want to say to any young artist?
My advice to Young artists will be never stop learning and pick up as many new techniques learn from any and all other artists. And don't limit yourself, stay true to you and have pride. In high school I was teased for being Chicana but I held my head up high and stayed true to who I was and embraced My culture . I want kids to know because of my obstacles I have overcome in my life from growing up in poverty,being a women in the tattoo world not respected in a world of men,being in a cycle of domestic violence ,many family members addicted to drugs.its made me the strong resilient Chicana I am today.u can use what u have gone threw in life and speak to people threw your art and tell your story.
[email protected]
@crywickedrain2 Instagram
Crystal Torres(cry) Facebook
Growing up in San Antonio’s most known zip code 78207, Crystal Tamez a self taught Artist has carefully carved out a niche in San Antonio’s long standing West Side Mural Culture. Only a handful of artists can say they have created or restored some of San Antonio’s most important murals. Having a working & personal relationship with Crystal I have seen her work aesthetics multiply in the last few years.
Crystal can you tell me the earliest memory you have of seeing art?
My earliest memories of seeing art was when I would receive envelopes and Panyos from my father from prison. I also feel I got my Chicana style from seeing lowrider magazines. And becoming a member of San Anto Cultural Art.
At this point in time who is your favorite artist? And why?
My favorite artist right would be a tattoo artist named Jose Lopez . I grew up on his artwork from Lowrider magazine admiring his drawings and his tattoo techniques. I later found out he was in a wheelchair. Which made me admire him even more to know he overcame his obstacles and became a respected artist.
So I know you are a sort of jack of all trades, can you elaborate on what mediums you have worked with?
Yes I am an artist who works for different mediums such as acrylic, oil, clay, mosaics, and tattooing.
Crystal how old are you and how long have you been working in the art field?
I am 33 years old and I've been in the art field since I was 8 years old working on a public art piece with San Anto Cultural Arts.
I’ve known you a long time now, and I’ve seen you grow a lot as an artist could you tell me some of the obstacles you had to overcome to get you to this point in the art world?
I would say some obstacles I would have to overcome in the art world would be working alongside people who have art degrees. I myself am a self-taught artist. Teaching myself new techniques by reading books or using the internet to perfect my skills.
If given a chance to work with a new medium what medium would you like to use and what direction would you take?
If I could work with a new medium I will choose to work with metal learning how to weld. I feel like there aren't many women who can weld and create metal sculptures I feel like that would be my advantage as a female artist. I would try to create unique sculptures that are cultural and try to sell them to potential clients.
Can you expand on that and what being apart of San Anto was back then?
I have been apart of San Anto since 1996 working on their first community garden mural.
Being a part of San Anto was an outlet for me to get away and tell my west side stories expressing myself in it's paper El Placazo San Anto was my escape from all the madness the west side had to offer because of San Anto I become something more to the community making my west side a beautiful place.
Any advice or something you want to say to any young artist?
My advice to Young artists will be never stop learning and pick up as many new techniques learn from any and all other artists. And don't limit yourself, stay true to you and have pride. In high school I was teased for being Chicana but I held my head up high and stayed true to who I was and embraced My culture . I want kids to know because of my obstacles I have overcome in my life from growing up in poverty,being a women in the tattoo world not respected in a world of men,being in a cycle of domestic violence ,many family members addicted to drugs.its made me the strong resilient Chicana I am today.u can use what u have gone threw in life and speak to people threw your art and tell your story.
[email protected]
@crywickedrain2 Instagram
Crystal Torres(cry) Facebook
El Placazo Mission
The purpose of the El Placazo Newspaper and Mentor program is to:
El Placazo Community Newspaper is a community-operated newspaper designed as an educational tool for participants interested in developing skills in all aspects of newspaper production. The newspaper serves as a unique outlet for our participants to express themselves and to document their culture.
Through their work with El Placazo, participants develop self-efficacy / esteem through self-identification and the development of communication and cognitive skill building. The process of El Placazo instills positive work ethics and responsibility, and challenges youth, adults, and elders to investigate, uncover and translate both the beauty and the ills that make up our community.
General subscriptions are $20 dollars, and $5 for inmates, upon request.
To become part of the El Placazo Newspaper Program as a youth staff member, a writing, photography or layout/design mentor, or a general volunteer, please contact San Anto Cultural Arts at 226-7466 or [email protected].
- Educate and train youth in all aspects of newspaper production including photography, journalism, computer layout and design, desktop publishing, and editing.
- Develop and nurture the artistic, writing, and cognitive skills of youth participants.
- Allow for community residents to voice, document and express their creativity, history, social concerns and thoughts through the submission and publication of poetry, articles, and artwork.
El Placazo Community Newspaper is a community-operated newspaper designed as an educational tool for participants interested in developing skills in all aspects of newspaper production. The newspaper serves as a unique outlet for our participants to express themselves and to document their culture.
Through their work with El Placazo, participants develop self-efficacy / esteem through self-identification and the development of communication and cognitive skill building. The process of El Placazo instills positive work ethics and responsibility, and challenges youth, adults, and elders to investigate, uncover and translate both the beauty and the ills that make up our community.
General subscriptions are $20 dollars, and $5 for inmates, upon request.
To become part of the El Placazo Newspaper Program as a youth staff member, a writing, photography or layout/design mentor, or a general volunteer, please contact San Anto Cultural Arts at 226-7466 or [email protected].
|
|