rromol@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.robertoromo.net/
Blog URL: http://rromolopez.blogspot.com/
San Jose, CA
I am an Illustrator / Graphic Designer living in San Jose, I have been awarded 2015 SV Creates Artist Laureate in February 2015. My work has become part of bay area culture through many publications as well as art exhibits. Concurrently I work as an art instructor at The School of Arts and Culture.
I hold a BFA from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco in Traditional Illustration, and an AS in 2 Dimensional Design From Evergreen Valley College.
Currently I am producing a series of 54 paintings, which focus on interpreting “La Loteria” ( Mexican Bingo) with new and fresh illustrations, which will be published by August 2015.
What did the Fellowship or Laureate mean to you at the time you received it?
The 2015 Laureate Award marks a milestone in my career as a visual artist and community leader. This is an important testimony of the ultimate collaboration between my art form,my audience, and most importantly my family. This is a very important time in my career since people are approaching me with ideas. I am constantly looking for avenues on how to bring my imagery to light. This award will allow me to harvest these new connections and continue to represent the SF Bay Area community as a whole.
What do you do now? Has your art evolved or changed?
My art form has evolved by working more with local clients. I develop illustrations for public events in my community. I currently collaborate with local publications, theatrical productions, galleries, and often donate my work for fundraising events that benefit our youth.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?
Work diligently. Your heart and soul must always be present. Don't be a hermit, get out of your studio and meet people. Talk to people, no one has achieved greatness alone. Art requires you to be engaged with your art form, as well as your audience. Once you do that, great things will happen. You will become a voice for an entire community.
Briefly, how would you describe the state of the arts locally, as well as national and beyond?
Alive, relentless, vibrant, world-class, historic.