Photographer and Ceramics artist, Robert Ragazza, was born in the Philippines and raised in San Jose. He grew up embracing the diverse cultures, believing that they all have commonalities. As one of his passions, community volunteerism, he has donated countless hours of his time as well as his artworks for fundraising, supporting the arts and to give back to the communities that inspire him. He currently juggles multiples projects while still find times to work as a Volunteer Teaching ... view more »
What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?
When I received my Emerging Artist Fellowship, I finally felt that my hard work, dedication, and my vision to my craft had been recognized. The validation was very important and it was the greatest feeling ever.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?
Besides my social documentary works, I am still expanding my Waiting and In-transit series. Collaboratively, a local poet will be using my photographic images as inspiration to write poems. An award-winning local painter/artist?will paint?on my printed images to create new works. My art is always evolving. On the planning stage, I am working on a small limited book series of my personal reactions and experiences during a previous visit in Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp, and a?collection of cyanotype portraits and nudes on newsprint and old book pages.?To see my work, go to albums on my website:??http://thememoirist.4ormat.com/
Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?
Stay true to your vision in your artistic discipline and work hard with dedication.
The arts scene in San Jose has expanded exponentially. It is being, finally, recognized on the national level and beyond. Being a local artist, I am ecstatic to be part of this artistic community.