Artist Statement
When I was a boy, my mother worked
as a registered nurse in the cardiovascular intensive care unit of the local
hospital. She commonly told me remarkable stories of patient’s lives being
saved. Her stories led to my unbridled desire learn everything I could about
human anatomy. I was determined to understand as much as possible about being
human, and what enabled my body to function. In later years, I came to realize
that my mother neglected to tell me stories of the patients that she had lost,
and in doing so, altered my view of reality. This skewed look at the reality of
life and death still continues to fuel my passion for understanding the world
we live in as human beings. Biology alone isn’t enough. Over time, experiences
and emotional responses form our individual psyche (beings).
In my most recent work, I have been delving into my childhood memories. By mulling over them, I become more aware of to how I have developed as a person, both physically and mentally. Each piece is made as an exploration of a deeply personal memory which I feel has shaped my being. With each piece, I am attempting to create a conversation with my audience that uses a lighthearted approach to stories that are inherently two-sided. This duality enables the viewer the opportunity to see things from another perspective, which I hope might remind them of their own individual memories and what it’s like being human being.
-Wes Valdez
In my most recent work, I have been delving into my childhood memories. By mulling over them, I become more aware of to how I have developed as a person, both physically and mentally. Each piece is made as an exploration of a deeply personal memory which I feel has shaped my being. With each piece, I am attempting to create a conversation with my audience that uses a lighthearted approach to stories that are inherently two-sided. This duality enables the viewer the opportunity to see things from another perspective, which I hope might remind them of their own individual memories and what it’s like being human being.
-Wes Valdez
