Homage to our Native Roots describes a mythical order beginning with the inhabitants of the air, earth, and water. They tell us a story written by swimmers, walkers, crawlers, and fliers that trace our mythical history. These ideas, memories and interpretations that are underlying in the secrets of life that we, as human beings and all life, have have passed.
Reinventing traditional forms such as bowls turned upside down, the artist challenges the viewers to see with their eyes and with their hearts. As in a fantasy one can create and stretch the boundaries of what is "real". This dream relays the message of beings who lived in the splendor of the past.
With a passion for Pre-Colombian designs, he researched books, private collections and in museums. Studying the miniature figures he wished to bring them to life, "I wanted to give these beautiful designs - almost lost in the past - a third dimension in a space that they deserved."
He went to the mines of Selva Alegre and selected and carried back blocks of marble. Sculpting each stone with total focus and reverent care, he returned many times for additional blocks of marble.
Running through the center of each tótem are a series of steel bars for security and tubes for wáter and a water mister. (Due to city restrictions this was not posible for this installation.)
The top piece is an indigenous face reflecting the sadness and tragedy of his people. Meant to be a fountain, with atomized water emitting a mist from the crown and shooting water up in a rainbow arch.
The two symmetrical birds represent the duality and unity of life. If observed at sunrise; one may see the first rays of day light projecting through the mid-point of the two birds.
Carlos Zamora expresses his profound gratitude for the opportunity to share this monumental sculpture and its story with all who wish to participate in its beauty and its message.
Born in Ibarra, Ecuador, Carlos Rodriguez Zamora grew up in an atmosphere surrounded by wood and stone artisans. Here as a child he had opportunities to earn a few cents per hour helping master master artisans with tasks such as cutting wood and sanding. Through these experiences he observed and learned techniques of wood working.
Later as an adolescent he studied fine arts formally in the Colegio de Artes Plásticas Daniel Reyes, Ibarra and earned many recognitions including first place in a province-wide sculpture competition. Although he received much encouragement as an artist, he also became a student body leader and led an important protest against the administration of the school. Achieving the justice that the students wanted, Carlos was asked to leave the school. He finished his studies in the Colegio de Bellas Artes Universidad Central de Quito. There too he rose to, and graduated first in his class.
Upon graduation he opened a studio and worked full time as a sculptor. With the freedom of his own studio he developed his style and creativity. Focusing on political and social themes he began winning a series of national prizes.
For four years he worked as a professor of art in Loja, Ecuador and then returned to full time work in his studio. His sons, Onajel and Onavi helped their father in his studio and enjoyed adventures together.
Homage to our Native Roots, began as a side-project. With a passion for Pre-Columbian designs, he studied books, private collections and in museums. Studying miniature figures he wished to bring them to life, "I wanted to give these beautiful designs - almost lost in history - a third dimension in a space that they deserved."
He went to the mines of Selva Alegre and selected and carried back blocks of marble. Sculpting each stone with total focus and reverent care, he returned many times for additional marble blocks.
The top piece is an indigenous face reflecting the sadness and tragedy of his people. Meant to be a fountain, with atomized water emitting a mist from the crown and shooting water up in a rainbow arch.
In 1997, Carlos re-married and moved to California. He lives with his family in Oakland, California and works full time sculpting marble, Alabaster, Obsidian, precious stones in their natural states and in a new technique of sculptural figures of glass metal and hard stones. His works explore themes of emotion and interaction, and are in private collections worldwide. This installation in Napa Art Walks is his first public art in America. He is happy to share this personal piece with so many people.
carlosrzk[at]yahoo.com
510-530-4710
