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CREATIVES

Entrepreneurs.  Innovators.  Interpreters of life’s jagged edges and silken pathways.  Soothsayers and sorcerers.  These words and more define the creative individuals who have chosen Sonoma as their home.  Explore their methods and mediums in these pages and be inspired.

Are you a creative professional in Sonoma County working to satisfy your artistic expression and make a living with your work?  Register HERE to have your own page included on CreativeSonoma.org.

Jonqui Albin
Jonqui Albin Illustration, Painting, Performance Art, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts Action Expression is the trademark of Jonqui Albin's art. Core bodies of work are large scale installations, wire sculptures and paintings. They are inspired by conceptual drawings derive from live, offsite study sketches in 2D and 3D. Resulting works often incorporate original techniques and unusual materials. Evolved thru art scenes of Los Angeles, Berkeley and San Francisco, Jonqui is currently based in her Sonoma Studio, 45 minute north of San Francisco, California. Jonqui@jonqui.com
Richard Alpert
Richard Alpert Film, Media, Mixed, Music, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts A curious, child-like perspective grounds an an art practice that references an empirical understanding and philosophy of the world. Much like the aleatory approach of Marcel Duchamp and John Cage, chance and random occurrence inform details of ongoing exploration that at times includes found objects (detritus in my case). At the same time, I use scientific concepts and methods to organize visual material, sometimes embracing a kind of self-referential esoteric humor and reflecting some aspect of our culture. I draw upon different formats, such as performance art, video, installation, sound, painting, drawing, photography, object sculpture, and recently books (of collected photograph images) with formalist and minimalist approaches. Gradations of color and form, repeated patterns, geometric structure, and modulated sound help construct my ideas into visual, auditory, and conceptual viewable art. The art becomes a story, a process, a recording, and a visual architecture.   Biography Richard H. Alpert is an American sculptor, abstract filmmaker, and performance artist born in New York City in 1947. He is a recipient of the 1979-1980 National Endowment for the Arts Artist's Fellowship Grant. Exhibitions include various venues and formats in the USA, Europe, and Japan, including the Petzel Gallery, NYC; the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, CA; Museum of Conceptual Art, San Francisco, CA; The American Center, Paris, France; and Kermin Prefecture Hall, Tokyo, Japan.
T Barny
T Barny Sculpture, Visual Arts
A native of California, with a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design, T Barny has been creating sculpture professionally for over 40 years. During his career, T Barny has produced over 1000 works in steel, bronze, wood and water - but his fascination is with stone. He has carved 211 different kinds of rock from 53 countries. His work has been shown in over 90 galleries worldwide, and he has participated in more than 500 individual and group exhibitions.
The sculptures that T Barny creates present a visual wonder and beg the question, “How does he do that?” T Barny aspires to create sculptures that reflect a world filled with magic and wonder. His works are produced through a method of direct carving, which entails no preconceived notions or models from which to derive the final shape of his pieces. Instead, he allows the natural rhythms of the materials he uses to guide him to a final product, rich with serene fluidity.

Todd Barricklow
Todd Barricklow Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Other, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts Conflicting ideologies as well as personal defects garner most of our cultural attention. I tend to look at different aspects of human behavior in an evolutionary light; addictions, attractions, fetishes, how do these traits forward us as animals? Besides making life interesting, why do we do these things and how do they develop? Sociological questions fuel much of my work. My characters sometimes resemble people that I come in contact with in my day to day dealings, yet others are strangers that I only catch a glimpse of. These beings occupy the scene and face objects and representations of our world. My work has always been a way for me to clear my head and process what I see around me. I feel like this work is definitely a product of watching the world, analyzing the way people act and then drawing conclusions. To some degree that is what the viewer does also. The grouping of images may seem obscure, but it is the viewers baggage that will fill in the gaps between these tiles and these images.
Jesus Bravo
Jesus Bravo Artisan, Functional Art, Furniture, Sculpture, Visual Arts As a child, and first generation immigrant in this country I was never completely sure about my future. After graduating high school, I applied to SRJC and selected the welding program. Although I had a wonderful education and certification, I was unable to secure a job in the field due to my immigration status. After fifteen years of being undocumented, I had the opportunity to acquire U.S. citizenship. After I landed my first welding job, it was at that shop where I learned to create metal art, or what I like to call forever art. I would stay after work and began to put my skills to the test, spending long hours and weekends to create my own style which is highly influenced by Mother Nature, my ancestral roots, and indigenous tribes around the American continent and the world. I began making simple yard art, while continuing to develop my skills. I then started making various furniture pieces, doing larger jobs such as gates, planter boxes, and repair jobs. With these projects, I continued to develop my style of art, including original art and commissioned pieces. Every day was and still is spent practicing, evolving, and pushing my skills to become a better fabricator and artist. This is what I call BravoSculpt. In the South Central Mexico, the town I was born and raised in is very close to a sacred Mexica location ca led Malinalco. Since it was so close, it was a place we frequented as a family throughout my childhood. Malinalco has influenced and inspired my work because it is a place of rich history where I have learned, and continue to learn about the rich heritage left by our ancestors– a location of the monolith Cuahucalli, where the Mexica eagle and jaguar warriors were Trained and Initiated. Communities need to heal from ongoing traumas and I believe culture helps us heal, including art. I also believe that knowledge is power, and as I continue to learn more about my own culture, it helps me expand knowledge of other cultures and communities. I began attending several cultural events around the Bay Area, including Dia de los Muertos at various locations, Mexica New Year in San Jose, and Carnaval in San Francisco. These events have heavily influenced me and my art, as they highlight many BIPOC communities. It is at these events where we experience a sense of community and a sense of belonging. Al participants and attendees, including myself, learn so much from each other– it is truly beautiful and inspiring. These events include ancestral ceremonies, dances, altars, among other traditions that have taught me many ways to celebrate all of our ancestors. In my daily life, I like to incorporate traditional, ancestral ways of giving. And through my art, I aim to share the knowledge I am acquiring. In addition, I have had the great pleasure to collaborate with several local community projects through incredible nonprofit organizations and community groups including Sonoma Immigrant Services, Art Escape, the Springs Municipal Advisory Council, and El Verano Elementary School.
Allegra Burke
Allegra Burke Artisan, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Mixed, Multi-Media, Printmaking, Recovery Fund Grantee, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Woodworking A self employed working artist since 2003, I am also an instructor, problem solver and creative. I work in a variety of mediums: Sculpture, Collage, Printmaking, Fiber art, Kanoko Shibori, Shifu, Book making, Boro, Tapestry, Assemblage, Encaustic, Felting, International mail art, Marbling, Block printing, and Mono printing. I have taught at the SRJC, Riley St, and by request to various art groups.  
Ron Carter
Ron Carter Architecture, Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Children's, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Design, Directing, Fashion Design, Fiction, Film, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Illustration, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Muralist, Music, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Poetry, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Woodworking

My Path... Divergent visions gave rise to my creative present. A present refreshed by art as life and livelihood.

Experiences like the ‘Tubbs Fire’ that hit Santa Rosa serve to strengthen the ‘artist within me’. It foements subjective creative moments that utilize my past, present - and my future as focal lenses. Spontaneously, I chose The San Francisco Art Institute over The Rhode Island School of Design and the School of the Art Institute  at Chicago for my formal Art education. I received my BFA in Interdisciplinary Art and Public Art. I’ve studied stone sculpture for 10 years with Master Sculpture-Ante’ Marinovic, one of Croatia’s premier stone sculptors and is considered a Croatian national treasure. I explore the collaboration between artist, media and tool in such a fashion as to give rise to multiple layers of compressed info within each piece I create no matter if it is a purely visual work or an interactive space or environmental art form. For me, art screams out into all aspects of my life. As an artist in western society, dogma and bravado go hand in hand with economic choice. Art is my life. If it’s not nailed down or permanently affixed,  it’s in trouble of becoming art resource material. Well, upon further review, even that won’t deter me from considering an objects use in an art piece.
Joann Cassady
Joann Cassady Artisan, Ceramics, Design, Graphic Design, Sculpture, Visual Arts JOANN CASSADY, Ceramic Sculptor As an artist, my life has gone full circle. After art school and a career in commercial graphics, I left the industry to follow my heart back to early childhood, playing in the backyard, squishing mud pies through my fingers. This time around, clay has replaced the mud but the pleasure I get from holding the earth in my hands is just the same. And with the clay has come a passion for a firing technique called “Raku” which in Japanese means, “pleasure" or "enjoyment”. For the past twelve years I have traveled to Mexico to study pottery with Juan Quezada, considered a National Living Treasure in his country. Working with Juan and my many other friends in the pueblo of Mata Ortiz has been a wonderful learning experience. I have discovered new methods of working with clay using only the most basic of tools and from these experiences, grown steadily as an artist. Even more than that, however, getting to know the Mata Ortiz community has been the cultural event of a lifetime. More recently I have been able to work collaboratively with Jerardo Tena, who is one of the finest painters in the pueblo. Annually I sponsor him and together we give workshops sharing the techniques of Mata Ortiz with colleges, art centers and community centers around the Bay Area. Now I look for what I can do next and challenge myself to create something different today than I did yesterday. I'm drawn to create shapes that are simple and elegant and in their simplicity, capture your eye’s attention. Then, in contrast, are my whimsical Raku Fish, each one an original and each one with it’s own personality sure to bring a smile to your face. My pieces are all original, all made by hand using coils of clay and pinching techniques and then fired by Raku or Pit Firing techniques. Molds are not used in my process and there are no short cuts. The clay and the process can be unforgiving, even humbling at times, and not all pieces reach the intended end. But when they do, the magic in that moment is the inspiration that drives the process and fuels my passion to do it again. It's a joy. Joann Cassady • Whimsical & Sculptural Raku & Pit Fired Ceramics 245 Theresa Court, Healdsburg, CA 95448 • 707 431-8319 • www.imakepots.com
Steven Chiurco
Steven Chiurco Architecture, Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Interior Design, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts I am a designer of creative and functional metal products. I own a local metal fabrication and design firm in Sonoma. Specializing in home accessories, furniture and lighting.
Jason Cool
Jason Cool Acting, Architecture, Artisan, Arts Administration, Ballroom, Ceramics, Children's, Choreography, Composition, Crew, Dance, Design, Directing, Equipment, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, General Services, Glass, Hip-Hop & Funk, Illustration, Improvisation, Improvisation, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Modern, Multi-Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Poetry, Production, Professional Performance, Puppetry, Sculpture, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal, Woodworking

Jason Cool/Henson

  1. Raised by musical and artistic tallent. from my grandfather Walter cool.writing and composing set designs on and off Broadway as well as music teacher. He tought me many things about music ,set design ,and writing stories making songs.mom colleen cool was a d.j for many years growing up .her morning talk show won an addy award. experience of the evolution of radio stations format from vinal,reel to reel,8 track,cassette,cd,to digital.learned lots about the insider secrets and politics , selling air time ,being a paid musical artist.and much more.on my dad's side .the "story family." his grandmother had 21 kids .4 sets of twins ,all natural birth!all musicians playing together ofton..on ed sullvon show and groucho marks.this popular family band and I would practice at grandma's regularly. As a kid growing up. i would try many instruments pianos ,drums,accordion ,banjo ,mandolin etc. I have been in theater,loved the arts, music ,writer. open to everything since i was a young  kid.arts and music are my life!if i dont know how to do something,i  will be honest!i ask,try and will do all things of interest with love !and any collaboration with heart.I Compromise to learn others perspectives because im always learning. preforming on and off stage.jamming with the public.sharing what i know. Learning what others are willing or able to teach.I  loved all the music,art,storys,I have been a part of, or experienced 1999 to current over 15 countries I visited. World Share
da gordon dart
Da Gordon Dart Illustration, Painting, Sculpture, Visual Arts My work is clean, crisp, colorful and happy. It's a blend of American primitive simplicity, meticulous rendering and, in the case of my paintings, an unmistakable tight finish. My sculpture follows suit. I've been a gallery artist and illustrator for most of my career.  It's only been in the last decade or so that I chose to step into the world of metal sculpture.
Sara Downing
Sara Downing Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Interior Design, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts  I have spent the majority of my artistic career in photography, music and design+build fields. The majority of my photographic work over the last 25 years has been commercial in nature, with a focus on portraiture and architecture. Currently, my focus is designing and executing 2 and 3 dimensional large-scale photographic image installations for both residential and commercial applications.  My work tends to reflect painterly and abstract forms and I often concentrate my efforts on textural worlds distilled from the often-labeled mundane. I aim to surprise audiences with a new way to experience photography in a physically immersive construct. The more I walk this earth the more apparent it is to me. Tapping into which thoughts and actions bring me joy conversely allows me to more fully identify that which I should let go. What works for our STUFF also works for our psyche. To cut through the din of external voices telling us any number of things; to come to rely on one's own gauge to determine what feels good, what feels nourishing, what feels inspiring.

What whispers to you?

What is worthy of your attention?

What makes you feel good?
Annette Goodfriend
Annette Goodfriend Sculpture, Visual Arts I am fascinated by the perversity of nature.  My current work casts a critical, scientific, and humorous eye on the mutagenesis of form, from the cellular level to the limb. It examines and celebrates that moment of translation from cerebral to visceral. Recently I have been exploring the hand of man and the role of science in the natural world. While we develop investigative tools in biology, chemistry, and physics to research and understand our world, those same tools give us the capability of controlling and morphing the environment and ourselves. The catastrophic change that man’s actions have caused to our climate could be remedied if our vast scientific knowledge was matched by political will and implemented towards a remedy. And what about the politics of the body? Our knowledge of genetics and the molecular tools we have created could allow us to eradicate disease, but where is the ethical line? And who gets to draw that line? Who decides what traits are desirable, which to be eliminated? And who gets to utilize these tools of selection? These questions and concepts weave their way through my work, and hopefully open a pathway to necessary conversations.
Peter Hassen
Peter Hassen Mixed, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video, Visual Arts Peter Hassen is a visual artist based in Sonoma, California. His work focuses on themes of nature, science and spirituality. Working in a variety of mediums, such as painting, sculpture, photography and printmaking, Hassen seeks to create dialogue between these themes, and raise questions about our societies, cultures and their commonalities. Peter earned his B.F.A. in Studio Art from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has exhibited his work, ranging from sculpture, painting and installation, in national galleries and public lands for more than two decades. From 2012-2014 Peter activated his Values Project series in the cities of Napa and Sacramento. Over 800 value words where stenciled in public parking lots in Napa and Sacramento in collaboration with city governments and local organizations.   In 2021 Peter's monumental metal sculptures from his Cycles series were exhibited by the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art in the Sonoma Plaza.
Adrian Litman
Adrian Litman Ceramics, Furniture, Illustration, Painting, Sculpture For the past 30 years, I have been working on a variety of projects for Civic, Corporate, Business and Residential clients, integrating art into architecture as well as designing free standing two and three dimensional pieces that create a sense of encounter and engagement through visual distinction or interaction. As an artist, I find inspiration and fuel for creative expression by contemplating the world around me. My inspiration is enhanced by concepts introduced by contemporary science, social issues, politics and cultural diversities. I use abstract and figurative interpretations to convey messages and emotions with sensibility, combining control and passion. Depending on the scope of design, volumes, shapes and vibrant luminous colors, are crafted to converge in an elegant harmony, stimulating the mind and emotions of the viewer. Having an eclectic approach to design, I feel comfortable flowing from dramatic subjects to whimsical and humorous themes. I have a broad range of diverse artistic skills and experience of working with a variety of durable materials like stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, porcelain and glass as appropriate for harmonious integration with the site's architectural style and environment. For most of my large size public art designs, I cooperate with architects, structural engineers and licensed public art fabricators. As a basic principle, I create public art designs with flexibility in order to allow the project stakeholders and community input and participation. 
 
 
Tanya Marsh
Tanya Marsh Sculpture, Visual Arts Mission-To inspire deeper thought into our daily lives and actions through steel artwork, shifting the way we think about and approach our habits and routines.   Vision-To create meaningful pieces of art for home, business and outdoors while inspiring positive changes.  To share and teach my metal working craft to local Women of Color and Youth offering paid apprenticeships.     Values-I value our connections; to each other, the Waters, the Land, the Forests, all of the Creatures that inhabit those worlds including those in our Spirit Worlds.  I value the Elements of the Earth from the North, Fire from the South,  Air from the East and the Waters from the West.  I deeply value diversity and inclusion, compassion, empathy and honesty.   
Judy Pagnusat
Judy Pagnusat Artisan, Glass, Jewelry, Teacher/Instructor I am an artist who has always loved making jewelry. I make jewelry out of every medium I have ever worked in, be it crochet, paper, glass or metal. In recent years my favored materials have been glass and metal clay. My new passion is metal fabrication, enameling and up-cycled jewelry made from vintage flatware. I am available to teach fused glass, metal clay or metal fabrication at your location or my studio in Cotati, CA. My work is featured and for sale at "The Artisans Co-op Gallery" in Bodega, CA
Brenda Phillips
Brenda Phillips Sculpture, Visual Arts ReBirth Living Sculpture pulls together passed on decorative art pieces and plants — typically succulents — to create upcycled living sculptures for homes, establishments, and gardens. Imagine everything from a small, multi-colored glass arrangement with succulents to 4 feet tall fountains made of stacked ceramic pieces to a 9-foot tall art sculpture with a central spinning ornate frame to take selfies in — perfect for a winery or city sculpture garden — to welded, galvanized metal pots on rods to grow tomatoes inside to a tranquil and harmonious succulent composition on drift wood hung with dangling windchimes to hanging light fixtures overflowing with plants. Each of our pieces utilizes repurposed items combined in new ways along with plants. The resulting sculptures are unexpected living creations that change with time and conditions. Each is unique, designed by hand, often multi-purpose, and harmonious. Some inspire joy, others whimsy, and others are peaceful. The vast range of styles, colors, materials, and shapes dare to challenge the viewer to find that one piece that speaks to them most.
Abraham Schroeder
Abraham Schroeder Children's, Design, Graphic Design, Literature, Mixed, Photography, Sculpture, Visual Arts I am an artist, designer, and author living in Petaluma. My art includes digital, mixed media, and sculpture, electronics, metal, clay, collage. I also do freelance graphic and web design. My children's picture books are The Gentleman Bat (http://www.TheGentlemanBat.com) and Too Many Tables (http://www.TooManyTables.com). Before moving to CA, I worked for 7 years in the Asian Art Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. During that time I managed a massive 5-year project to catalog, digitize, and rehouse the MFA's spectacular collection of 50,000+ Japanese prints. An 1880’s woodblock print of bats by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi in the MFA collection was the seed of inspiration for The Gentleman Bat. Read more about the hidden art historical references and book production process at http://www.TheGentlemanBat.com. My second book, Too Many Tables, features fun, colorful illustrations and a comically entertaining story, with a subtle message of generosity and community woven throughout. I do school, library, bookstore, and children's museum visits with large and small audiences. Depending on age and interest, I adjust the presentation to the group, often including interactive drawing activities, amazing bat facts and science, and introductions to Japanese woodblock prints. As an artist who worked closely with the illustrators of my books, I am always happy discuss the book making and illustration process, as well as writing, rhyming, and editing, and I do Skype/FaceTime for schools and groups around the country.
Rob Senn
Rob Senn Sculpture, Visual Arts During regular work hours, I am a national business consultant, providing growth strategies for companies in the entertainment marketplace. But I also build site specific landscape sculptures that seek to inspire viewers while respecting the uniquely beautiful scenery of Sonoma County. r
Dawn Thomas
Dawn Thomas Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Dance, Design, Fiction, Film, Folk Art, Functional Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Literature, Media, Mixed, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Visual Arts Dawn A. Thomas 707.245.4735 cloudsdriftingby@gmail.com   Objective: To help build a vital Sonoma County Arts community as an experienced artist, and a teacher who provides a competitive and comprehensive Arts/Maker education for my students.   Education and Credentials: Single Subject Art Credential - Sonoma State University - NCLB  1/2007 CLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Sonoma State University  5/2004 Medialink Web Design/Technology Certificate - Bay Area Video Coalition  6/2000 5th-year Graduate Certificate in Art, U.C. at Santa Cruz    6/1990 Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art, U.C. at Santa Cruz    6/1989   Kinetic Artist Event Awards: SFMOMA's soapbox derby, Best Pun trophy, 2022 Best Theme Cart Design, the Cotatitarod, Cotati, 2019 1st Place Engineering for Team Pineapple, Kinetic Grand Championship, Eureka, CA 2018 Grand Champion for Team Pineapple, Obtainium Cup, Vallejo, 2019 1st place speed for the Pineapple Handcar, Willits Kinetic Carnivale, Willits, 2015 Best Engineering for the Whittaker Paddlewheel, Rivertown Revival, Petaluma, 2014 2nd Place for Red Couch Pedal-powered railcar, Wunderkammer Handcar Races, Santa Rosa, CA 2013   Teaching Experience: Santa Rosa City Schools, 2006 - current Art/Maker/Teen Living/Digital Media, Santa Rosa Middle School, 2007-2022 Students explore the foundations of Art and Making, and develop a personal portfolio. Teen living/culinary involves cooking, career exploration, interior design, sewing, and communication and conflict resolution skills. Digital Media explores digital storytelling and culminates in movies, webpages and other digital fulfillment. From 2007-2015 we produced a weekly cable news broadcast for the school.   Art 1, Montgomery High School,  2014-2015 Our beginning Art curriculum asks students to develop their drawing skills, and to utilize the Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Exercises lead to projects which offer student-selected content, but hold students accountable to develop technical skills.   Art / Project Make Teacher, Hilliard Comstock Middle School, 2007-2013 In 2013, we launched our district’s first middle school Project MAKE! elective, which is an award-winning (2014 Jack London Award) interdisciplinary, exploratory STE(A)M class (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.)   Art Teacher, Piner High School, 2007-2008 Art Teacher, Summer School, Montgomery site, 2007 Art Teacher, Elsie Allen High School, 2006-2007   Educational Awards: Jack London Award for Educational Innovation (Project Make!) 2014   Other Experience: A practicing Artist, I have shown with Art Trails, and at various Sonoma County venues. I have been an exhibitor at Maker Faires for 4 years.  
Jill Valavanis
Jill Valavanis Artisan, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts I am a teaching artist. With an MFA in Integrated Three-Dimensional Media, I use a variety of materials to create sculptural and functional objects. Fiber is my favorite medium. Currently, I am using my sewing machine to create freehand abstract embroidered pieces. For over 20 years I have enjoyed teaching art to both children and adults, from toddlers to seniors, in schools, colleges, community centers, museums, art centers, gardens, and private homes. I believe that anyone has the capacity to be creative, and that making art is good for one's mental and physical health.
Dana Woodman
Dana Woodman Artisan, Design, Functional Art, Furniture, Graphic Design, Other, Other, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Woodworking Dana founded Chimera Art Space in early 2012 as a place to bring talented, creative and innovative people in the North Bay together. He has worked as a software consultant and serial entrepreneur for nearly a decade working with companies including Google and Comcast and founding multiple companies. Dana builds interactive art sculptures, furniture, and other artwork using woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, laser cutting, electrics and CNC machining. He studied fine art at the University of the Pacific and loves traveling, the outdoors and kittens 😸.
Martín Zúñiga
Martín Zúñiga Mixed, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts Between the freeways of 5 and the 99, there are rows of fields as far as the eye can see. The sun is high and hot, the fields are lush, and they are filled with thousands of farm workers. Their faces, arms and legs are covered to protect from the sun and the toxic pesticides used on the crops. The work is backbreaking, and yet, they are almost invisible. Martín Zúñiga, from Michoacan, Mexico, had his first introduction to the United States in these fields and is the product of this experience. An autodidact in work and art, Martín has learned his craft by doing. After the fields, Martín worked in construction, learning the skills he would soon transfer to his art – welding; framing; understanding the strength and qualities of wood, metal, paint, plasters, lighting. Martín’s experience as a migrant, as an undocumented worker, as a Mexican-American in the United States, as a man who speaks in an accented English, and as a target of undeserved police attention, shapes his art. However, his art claims and celebrates a new world, one that recognizes and honors his roots. Martín completed a series of public art pieces in downtown Salinas (Central Coast) and downtown Selma (Central Valley), celebrating the cities' workers and their contributions to the unique character of small, rural cities. More recently, Martín has taught and led art workshops at the Museum of Sonoma County, the Restorative Justice Program, and in Roseland Unified Schools.