Abi Gonzales

From One World to the Next (2017)
forged steel
12 x 7 x 7 in.

I am a 2.5 generation Mexican-American artist who grew up in the South Lawndale neighborhood in Chicago. I attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I studied painting, drawing and sculpture and also received my BFA. I also learned welding at the Washburne Trade School. My family inspires me constantly to strive for excellence in my art making. We are Mexi-Can, not Mexi-Can’t! Like my favorite president, President Obama, said, “Yes We Can!”

I thought about my family when I was creating my work. The sculpture “From One World to the Next” is a tribute to a familial sense of beauty/ aesthetics at home. Home can be a welcoming place that you or you and your family creates to have a sense of protection, safety and well-being. I made a home for the rose, to keep it safe and surrounded by what I hope is beautiful, turned metal. In place of a welcome mat are the words, “Welcome Home”.

For more information visit: http://abigonzales.com

© Abi Gonzales