Faced with having to explain myself, 2022
By Bobby Padilla
Acrylic on canvas, 12"x18"
Untitled, 1990
By Bobby Padilla
Oil on canvas, 22"x28"
Indeed, just like that, summers gone. Here’s hoping you had some good moments. Whether taking in a ballgame, spending a day on the beach, or even taking time to vacation. The weather was mostly cooperative overall for grad parties, picnics and even outdoor paint and sips. September 23, the first day of the Autumnal Equinox, it’s drab and rainy and about 64 degrees. The day before, the last day of summer, it was sunny and about 83 degrees. Now fall takes the stage, and in a starring role. Soon a pageant of red, orange and gold leaves will set against crisp azure skies. But it also means that the days are starting to get shorter, and both ends. The sun is checking out earlier and earlier every day and coming up later and later. So, often, when I get up to take the dog out, it’s dark outside. Then I get slapped with this.
“No face detected.” As if I needed that sort of affirmation at 6:00 am. It’s bad enough I try not to make eye contact at whatever’s going on in the mirror as I’m brushing my teeth. But, do I need my phone doubling down on my mere existence? All I wanted is know if I need a hoodie or not before I walk the dog. It’s no revelation to say I’m not the same person that I was a decade ago. And That person wasn’t the same as that person 10 years before that, so on and so forth. Biologically speaking, a human being completely regenerates cells completely every 7-10 years. You may look like the person you were, but just a facsimile there of. In some cases, perhaps a new and improved version? In some cases, your cells may produce so well, it may be to the tune of 20-40 pounds of extra cells. Not sure where I was going with all this exactly, but I think it’s about looking back to the past.
Art is a reflection of who we are, of where we have been, and of what we have endured. As an artist, the evolution of my work is intertwined with the tapestry of my life—each brushstroke, each word, each note a testament to the journey I have traversed. I find myself faced with the task of revisiting the art of my past, those forgotten pieces that lie buried in the depths of my garage, waiting to resurface and shed light on the person I used to be.
Untitled (A Dream Volcanic), 1988
By Bobby Padilla
Oil on canvas, 18"x24"
Untitled (Rust), 1987
By Bobby Padilla
Pastel on Newsprint, 18"x24"
Unearthing the Past
As I dust off the canvases and manuscripts of yesteryears, I am faced with a wave of nostalgia—a flood of memories rushing back, each stroke of the brush, each turn of phrase triggering a chord deep within me. The art of our past is a time capsule, a window into the soul of a younger self grappling with the world, with emotions, with aspirations.
How the Creative Endeavors of Our Past Shape Our Art Now
Our past creative endeavors serve as the foundation upon which we build our present artistry. Every stroke of the brush, every word penned, and every note played has contributed to the artist we are today. The narrative art we create today is a culmination of our experiences, our growth, our setbacks, and triumphs.
The art of our past weaves a thread through time, connecting the dots between who we were and who we are becoming. Just as a painter layers colors on a canvas, each layer building upon the last, our creative journey is a continuous process of reinvention and evolution.
Living Room, 1991
By Bobby Padilla
Mixed media and collage on paper, 14"x18"
Artist Studio, 1991
By Bobby Padilla
Mixed media and collage on paper, 14"x18"
The Ever-Changing Self in the Age of Social Media
In a world dominated by social media, the portrayal of self has taken on a new dimension. We curate our online personas, carefully selecting the moments we share and the stories we tell. Our digital identities often paint a picture far removed from the complexities of reality. In this age of filters and facades, it becomes increasingly vital to revisit the unfiltered art of our past, the raw and unpolished reflections of our authentic selves.
Crafting a Truthful Narrative Through Art
As artists, our craft is our truth-teller. The stories we weave through words, colors, and melodies hold a mirror to our souls, reflecting the raw essence of our being. While memories may fade and details may blur, the art we create stands as a testament to the journey we have walked, the battles we have fought, and the victories we have celebrated.
Our creative endeavors are a beacon of authenticity in a world shrouded in illusion. Through art, we unearth the forgotten fragments of our past, honoring the struggles and triumphs that have shaped us into the artists we are today.
Untitled (Chain), 1992
By Bobby Padilla
Cut paper collage on paper, 22"x28"
Embracing the Past to Illuminate the Present
In embracing the art of our past, we honor the storytellers we once were. We unravel the narratives woven in ink and paint, rediscovering the essence of our creative selves. The buried treasures of our garage hold within them the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of who we are and where we are headed.
So, let us dig through the layers of dust and nostalgia, let us unearth the art of our past to illuminate the path forward. As artists, writers, musicians, and poets, our past creations serve as guiding stars, illuminating the journey ahead with the light of authenticity and truth.
Untitled (Lightning Flow), 1995
By Bobby Padilla
Woodcut Print (5/5), 8"x10"
Untitled ( The Window), 1995
By Bobby Padilla
Linoleum cut print, (1/5), 8"x10"
In the end, the art of our past is not merely a collection of forgotten pieces—it is a roadmap to self-discovery, a testament to resilience, and a celebration of the ever-evolving artist within us.
Let us embrace our past, honor our present, and paint a brighter future with the vivid colors of our truth.
As I reflect on the art of my past, I am reminded of the transformative power of creativity and the enduring legacy of self-expression. Each brushstroke, each word penned, is a part of a larger narrative—one that continues to evolve and unfold with every creation. Let us hold onto our past art not as relics of bygone days, but as stepping stones toward our artistic truth and self-discovery.
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