Border Crossing
No matter our race, sex, orientation or creed, most of us have dealt with boundaries. Sometimes set by technology, people, finances or time, occasionally self-imposed, we find ourselves confined by the rules that indicate or fix a limit on the extent of our creative bravado. What does it take to cross over into a dominion that balances what we need to do to fulfill our artistic destiny and how we’re going to pay the rent?
At the Pasadena Cinco De Mayo celebration I was immediately drawn to Hector Silva. An artist. At first glance, I assumed his pieces were photographs, beautiful, gutsy photographs but as my eyes made their way across the wall, I noticed several Day of the Dead portraits, including Freda Kahlo (sans skin). Realism is obviously a strength of Hectors but there’s more than that. In his work there is life.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hector for a while to discuss life, art and the Cultural Revolution currently happening in the Latino community. Here are a few points that amazed me; I hope they inspire you too.
Hector was born in Mexico and came to the US at seventeen. He worked odd jobs. He didn’t know of his talent until he was twenty-six when one day he decided to give his friend a gift. The gift was a sketch of a bird and was so good that his friend encouraged him to make another. The next portrait was of Lucille Ball. Somehow she got a copy of it and was so impressed she asked for the original. The rest is history. No formal training, no calling from childhood (although his mom insists he drew as a child, Hector has no recollection) and no dynastic history to predict that his fate would be to bring his unique style to the world (he’s dabbled in other mediums but his passion for pencils, is obvious).
When you talk to Hector, there is joy. He’s real about the struggles he’s faced as an artist and as an immigrant. He mentions a responsibility he feels to document what he sees happening around him. Vote or Die, G.I. Jose and Looking to the Future are pieces that reflect inspiration gained from current events but you will also see religious iconography, prison inspired art as well as Mexican and Chicano theme subjects. He’s been presented with prestigious awards and remains approachable. The smile in his eyes is bright when he says that there is nothing in the world he’d rather do. He’s addicted to creation and the world is better for it. He shows in galleries across the country and his work can be viewed on his web site.
Interview by Angel Aviles-McClinton