The Community Art Center & Gallery in Wrightwood is highlighting Los Angeles-based artist Andrés Cortes as the featured exhibiting artist this November. Andrés Cortes (b. 1985, Los Angeles) is a first-generation Mexican American and California native. He earned a BFA in drawing and painting, along with a minor in comparative world literature, from California State University, Long Beach. Currently, he lives and works in Los Angeles. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Andrés runs Arvia Projects, an artist-run project space focused on alternative living, education, and community.
The Tri-Community is invited to meet Andrés Cortes and explore his diverse creations during his exhibit opening on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Community Art Center & Gallery, located at 6045 Park Drive in Wrightwood.
(Photo provided by: Andrés Cortes)
When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?
My uncle was an animator for Walt Disney Studios when I was growing up, so the idea of being an artist as a way of life was planted early on. It just took me time to figure out exactly what sort of artist I wanted to be.
Tell us about your artwork.
My work focuses on mosaic, ceramic, stained glass, carpentry, and alternative building methods. I think “multidisciplinary” is a good way to describe the sort of artist I have become over the years. I tend to make small components to larger ideas or a series of objects or “sketches,” as I call them, which relate to larger installations, bodies of work, or ongoing projects.
My work spans from gallery installations and singular art pieces to public works such as large-scale murals and community-based projects that are part of an ongoing effort to preserve the stories and traditions within my neighborhood of Cypress Park.
Where do you find inspiration for your artwork?
I am drawn to traditional or ancestral ways where nature, living space, and the person coexist: the handmade home, the adobe kitchen, the continuous seasonal garden.
(Photo provided by: Andrés Cortes)
Who are your artistic heroes? (i.e., other creatives you look up to)
Vicente Fernández, Toyo Kaneshige
When you’re not creating art, what do you enjoy doing?
Jiu-jitsu, surfing, camping, familia, my cats
Is there any advice you would give to aspiring artists hoping to be featured in a gallery someday?
Stay healthy—don’t fall into those clichés and old romantic ideas of the wine-and-cigarettes-up-all-night thing.
Exercise, take care of yourself, eat good foods, and enjoy life. You will find so much more in your artwork when you come at it from the best perspective you can cultivate. Also, rescue a cat.
