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About Artist:
Mexican born artist, Joseph Galván Montelongo, arrived in sunny Southern California on January 2, 1972. Wide eyed and determined to become an artist, he enrolled in art classes at the Pasadena Community College and later the Design Art Center in Los Angeles. It became obvious to him that he conceptualized forms in 3-dimensional rather than 2-dimensional space. Although he enjoyed drawing, he found painting a flat medium, so he followed the sculptor's path. While working as a technical illustrator at California Institute of Technology (Cal tech), he experimented with various materials ranging from carved wood, sculpted soap stone, marble, welded steel, plate and optical glass. His "discovery" of an intriguing and fascinating material occurred while watching a machinist drill multiple holes in a clear and brilliant block of malleable material that did not shatter as the drill bit penetrated it. When he asked what the material was, the machinist responded "Plexiglas, acrylic plastic." These simple words in Joseph's mind were translated into creative possibilities and launched his journey of discovery with optical acrylic as a medium. Using solid acrylic as an artistic medium was not an easy path for a west coast artist in the 1970s. California arts and crafts movements favored objects made of "natural" materials like glass, wood, textiles, or clay. Yet with the friendly support of his fellow workers at Caltech, buying his very first creations, and with the initial success of selling out in one day at a local art show in Pasadena, Joseph felt confident to develop this medium and continue "sculpting the light" as he likes to put it. Joseph approached the medium of solid, crystal-clear acrylic by simulating the engraving done in optical glass or leaded crystal, but instead of engraving on the surface with a wheel engraver, he wanted to sculpt and carve into the malleable material in order to create his imagined 3-dimensional designs and shapes. Selecting the subject matter was not difficult since Joseph feels a deep connection with the world of nature. His vision of the organic forms of nature came to life when carved and suspended in the fluid light of crystal clear shapes of optical acrylic. With marine life, in particular, he discovered a new world of inspiration, which even now is his favorite subject matter. In the twenty-five years following his initial discovery of the possibility for "sculpting light" with optical acrylic, Galván honed skills and perfected intricate techniques processes in order to define his own style in this medium. Joseph continues to admire the early work of glass artists such as Rene Lalique and to find inspiration in the geometric motifs of the art deco movement, but his distinctive sculptural works, art furniture, and lighting collections reveal Galván's own vision as a contemporary designer, and sculptor. In his Los Angeles studio, near Marina Del Rey and about a mile from the Pacific Ocean, Joseph creates, designs and produces each piece of art work with the help of well trained assistants who prepare materials for Joseph to carve, sculpt, or assemble. Although solid optical acrylic remains his primary medium, he often combines materials, such as aluminum, steel, plate glass, wood, and illumination, with solid acrylic to create contemporary art and functional objects which balance traditional themes and craftsmanship with dynamic elements. Recognized for his craftsmanship and originality, Joseph is sought out by collectors of acrylic art and designers who commission one-of-a-kind art works--such as his sculptural acrylic grand harp pictures on this page--and site-specific architectural projects for residences or corporate settings. Joseph Galván's signature on each piece is his commitment to original design and superlative craftsmanship. Joseph's other interests are writing songs, playing guitar solo or with his band, playing soccer, reading Hemingway, Garcia Marquez and historical studies, visiting exciting sculptural exhibits, traveling, tasting red wines of Ribera del Duero (Spain), and preparing Mexican cuisine.
History:
Crystalline, light-refracting, and resilient - these are the properties of optical acrylic (Lucite, Polycast). I chose this medium to recreate my vision of the natural world, and for 25 years I have defined myself as a scultor of light. Each of these orgiginal designs highlights unique three - dimensional effects obtained through intricate reverse and internal hand carving techniques, which I have developed. My signature on each piece assures the collector of superb craftsmanship and enduring beauty.
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