Art & Life with Joe Lopez, “El Gallista”

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Lopez, “El Gallista”.

Joe, “El Gallista”, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
As an artist who paints real life, and as a man who stands up for his family, his culture, and his rights, even in the face of great adversity, I have persevered throughout my life, first not to be seen as being ‘handicapped” even though I was born with only one hand. I opened my own studio and art gallery where I showed the work of “undiscovered” artists as well as my own art work, there was a point, I had to fight and eventually won a legal battle against a major U.S. company that not only attacked the title of one of my best-known paintings, but the very culture I strive to portray in my artwork.

My introduction to art came at an early age, from my Uncle Basilio, a house painter and a part-time artist who made wooden folk-art carvings. As a student, I attended a small mission school, St. Anthony Shrine School, my talent was first noticed by a nun who arranged a small scholarship at the local Witte Museum Art School. I studied art in high school and attended the La Villita School of Art and the San Antonio School of Art while working as a part-time gardener for a wealthy couple who helped me acquire a scholarship to attend several sessions at the prestigious McNay in San Antonio. I never went to college but, I gained business and artistic experience working at Scrivener’s department store, Eventually, I was a able to get a job in the advertising art department of Dillard’s stores and later I did grocery advertising for Centeno’s Supermarket, After being layed-off from Centeno”s ,I was able to get work at the graphics department, at Fort Sam Houston (Civil Service) where, I worked for 22 years until I retired in 2007. I feel I have been educated through life experiences, every job was an education for me.

Learning commercial art and being a graphic artist was great, but my passion was to be a real artist. I later trained under the nationally recognized watercolor artist Warren Hunter, and another well-known Texas artists, such as John Squire Adams, Finis Collins and Jesus “Chista” Cantu and also learned from Jose Esquivel. Nationally acclaimed artist Jesse Trevino was an inspiration to me because of his ability to paint with one hand.

I paint people that I can identify with: people who have struggled through life. Street vendors and common laborers are a strong theme in my paintings. As a young boy I sold newspapers, I remember accompanying my uncle to sell ice cream and sometimes watermelons in the neighborhood after his regular job. My paintings show the beautiful dignity and pride of “los vendedores” knowing that it will bring money that will help support their families. My art captures a unique place in time where a border “barrio” culture embraced the history and traditions of two countries. I spent my early life in a South Texas barrio hidden near Alamo Heights in San Antonio, Texas. Most locals are unaware that such a place existed. “El Barrio Escondido” (The Hidden Neighborhood) created a vivid cultural backdrop of family ties, religion and social influences that are evident in my work. I feel my artwork relays a salt-of-the-earth sincerity, I am a very proud Mexican American and of my roots that go down to Mexico. Que Viva La Raza!

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am for the most part a self-taught artist. When I was younger I would paint with oils but because I used to party I would unfortunately neglect my paint brush and therefore ruining them. Discovering watercolors was a blessing because I could start and stop at any point. So, for many years I painted with watercolors on 300 lb. arches watercolor paper. In recent years, now that I am more mature I have started painting with oils on canvas again.

I enjoy painting real life scenes and cultural icon images, there are three themes I am known for: My Gallo paintings, Day of the dead paintings and what I call cultural paintings (everyday life scenes.) I believe my art reminds people of the old days, when life was simple. In many cases it sparks a memory from the past. The message if there is one; is “Que Nunca se te Olvide de Donde Venites”. “Don’t Ever forget Where you came From”.

The things I paint are things that I relate to, most bring a smile to my face, sometimes maybe a tear. My art is about the humble way of life lived by many of us Mexicano’s, it is sincere and it comes from my heart. I am very proud of my Chicano culture and way of life. Que Viva La Raza!

Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
I always recommend for young artist to get a job that is related in the art field; there are many jobs out there, for example I worked in advertising at Dillard’s Department store I also did advertising for a local Grocery. Silkscreen shops is also a good place to pick up some experience. I always had a full-time job and did my art in my spare time. During this time, I went to lot of outdoor shows like the Starving Artist Show, River Art Show, Art Jamboree etc. The point is getting your art work out there any where you can to get the exposure.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can visit me at my Studio & Gallery
347 Everest Ave
SATX 78209 (by appointment).

I show my work about three times a year at different venues. my next show will be at La Peña in Austin Texas in November. You can find me on Facebook or my website www.gallistagallery.com. I realize not everyone can afford an original painting. So, I also have reproductions of my art work in the form of note cards, prints and t-shirts and other merchandise.

Contact Info:

• Address: Gallista Studio & Gallery
  347 Everest Ave
  San Antonio,Texas 78209
• Website: gallistagallery.com
• Phone: 210.861.3646
• Email: joegallista@sbcglobal.net
• Facebook: Joe Lopez /Artist

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.