Raul Gonzalez

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Raul Gonzalez was and born and raised in Houston, TX. He took on art at an early age, primarily as an illustrator. He continued to develop his drawing skills through high school, where he won awards for black and white graphite drawings.

Raul Gonzalez then went on to study Graphic and Fine Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri for 2 years. He studied drawing the entire time he was there and partook in very few graphic art courses as it became uninteresting to him. Due to several reasons, Gonzalez went back home to Houston and became part of the working class society. Raul worked odd jobs all around the city, usually two or three at a time. After 2 ½ years, he returned to college.

In 2007 Raul transferred to the University of Houston to return to the Arts. After taking two courses (Color & Illustration) with David Hickman, Raul found a strong interest in pursuing a career as a Visual Artist. Raul graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and received Magna Cum Laude Honors. He is currently a member and Director of Public Relations for the Art Collective, The Montrose Art Society (MAS).

Raul Gonzalez has shown at several galleries in Houston, TX including Lawndale Art Center, Warhous Visual Studios, Jack Meier Gallery, East End Studio Gallery, Northline Art Gallery, HCC SW Gallery, John Palmer Gallery and Talento Bilingue de Houston. Raul has also shown his work at Live Oak Art Center in Columbus, TX, Kalamazoo Book Arts Center in Kalamazoo, MI and at The LA Art Show | Modern & Contemporary Fine Art Fair in Los Angeles, CA. Raul Gonzalez will be pursuing his Masters of Fine Arts from The University of Texas in San Antonio.

Artist Statement

My goal as an artist is to continue to create a dialogue with a wide audience. I pursue this goal with several methods and techniques. My artwork is progressively changing as I adapt to new ideas and concerns. I see my artwork as an accumulation of gained knowledge and insight. I am constantly learning ways of approaching my art by studying art history as well contemporary art movements. I find it necessary to continue to grow and explore methods of delivering art as a message to the community at large. Art is not just for artists, it is a way of communicating with the public. The point of my work isn't simply to speak to people, but to pull words from the public. I hope that my work sparks something inside individuals and that their ideas come to fruition because my work and or process nudged in their desired direction.

I like to think of art as a math equation where new variables are always coming into play. You may start with two variables; an image and a pencil and progress to 15 variables that may include social problems, texture, illustrations, urban imagery, trending colors in modern fashion, popular music, and/or the importance of development. My variables are constantly changing. I find it hard to separate experiences, whether it's being a victim of racial profiling, enjoying an epic concert or eating a great meal. These experiences and subject matters become the variables in which I begin to formulate my equations. How do they relate? Are they able to come together to explain an idea? I am constantly adding and subtracting subjects in order to clearly explain whatever is I'm focused on.

I am constantly referring to art history, exploring ideas and concepts from the Pop Art movement, the use of pattern, performance art as a means of performance or as a means of solving social or world issues. My work changes because I find it is important to acknowledge where art has come from and where it is going. The more opportunities and practices you can allow yourself to explore, the wider your audience becomes. Not everyone is interested in conceptual art. Not everyone finds revelation is a drawing. Being able to mix media allows an artist to speak to everyone.

I also find art as a way to promote ideas of growth within a community. Artists have stronger effects on society than most care to think they have. When an artist begins to develop a movement and makes that movement apparent to society; it grows exponentially. I strive to continue to my own development and progress as an artist, but at the same time, I hope that I am making a positive impact in people's lives. It's important to put yourself in the shoes of another person and become aware of that viewpoint of life. Whether it's through verbal language or visual imagery, the ability to share a point or an idea can make a big impact on a community. The idea of sharing information becomes the catalyst is being the voice for a crowd that has yet to speak up.

Every aspect of my life begins part of my artwork. Whether its personal issues at home, family matters, changes in urban landscapes, photos I've taken while driving around the city, or spending time with another working artist. Everything I encounter has an effect on my life and my art. The more I learn, the more I want to share through my artwork. There's no sense in limiting information. Isn't the purpose of an artist to share creative ideas?