jose toÑarely

Jose Toñarely was born in Havana, Cuba. At the age of 13, Jose and his family moved to Mexico City where he resided for three years. During his years in Mexico, Jose was deeply moved by the vibrancy and diversity of Mexican art and culture. Some of his strongest influences are the works of muralist Diego Rivera and the Pre-Columbian architecture of the Aztec and Maya eras. In 1962, Jose moved to Los Angeles, California where his passion for the visual arts and architecture continued to develop. He attended California State University, took coursework in drawing and design and began to work with various media including cut paper and acrylics.

Jose’s current work consists of mixed media sculpture, incorporating multiple materials including wood, metal scraps, nails, wires and found objects. He enjoys combining rusted or weathered materials with new and shiny elements to create dramatic effects while maintaining balance in the form and materials. When working on a piece, what most exciting to Jose is the process. He enjoys the challenges presented and draws from his creativity when attempting to mold materials into a desired form. Very often he is inspired and begins a piece when he finds a discarded piece of metal or wood. He takes pleasure in discovering beauty and artistic potential where others may not, and in the transformation of raw materials into a finished piece of art.

Recent exhibitions of his work:

• Regions’ Bank Hispanic Art Expressions - 2008 & 2009 - Coral Gables, Fl.
• Art in Doral Hispanic Art Expressions – 2008 - City of Doral, Fl.
• Saladrigas Art Gallery-Ignatian Center for the Art – 2008 - Miami, Fl.
• Art at Schenley Park - 2009 - Miami, Fl.
• Cremata Gallery – 2009 – Miami, FL.