As a child, John Gonzalez loved art and liked to draw but never exactly took making art seriously. But after taking an art history class during his sophomore year at the University of Massachusetts in 1987, his appreciation for art grew.
Now, while working in software sales, Gonzalez not only appreciates art, but he also creates it.
The Sea Cliff Arts Council is opening the exhibit “From Colombia to Sea Cliff,” a collection by Gonzalez, on Saturday at the Sea Cliff Village Library. Featuring pieces inspired by moments and places in Gonzalez’s life that hold special meaning to him, the exhibit will be open through Aug. 31.
Gonzalez was born in Bogotá, Colombia in 1967 and moved to the United States in 1972. The former investment banker worked in Colombia for two years before moving back to the United States when he married his wife, Lara, his “#1 cheerleader” throughout his art journey that began in 2019.
The Covid-19 pandemic gave him more time to spend on art during evenings and weekends. Always having had an interest in painting, he used YouTube videos to learn how to paint and make burnt wood art.
One of the pieces being showcased depicts a game of lacrosse, which has been a big part of Gonzalez’s life. He played from sixth grade and through college. His nickname on the field was “Gonzo,” which he now uses as his signature for his art.
The collection will include works that honor both Sea Cliff and Colombia through paintings of places and folk art based on stories Gonzalez heard from his parents and grandparents growing up. He spoke about his family as inspiration.
“My hero in my life is my mother, right?” he said. “She's just the most amazing, resilient human person I've ever met. And her father, my grandfather, is probably the most influential person in my life. Not probably, definitely. He was a great storyteller.”
Gonzalez said his grandfather offered encouragement that has stuck with him to this day. He explained that their relationship is part of what motivated him to make art.
“He would just say, ‘Hey, Juan Carlos, you're amazing and going to go far’. Gonzalez said. "He was just such a cheerleader for me. And that energy stays with me, and that sentiment stays with me, and I know that he would be proud.”
Gonzalez’s pieces, including the works for the exhibit, are custom-framed by carpenter and Restoration Oak owner Omar Rivera, who Gonzalez described as “a true artist with wood.”
The Arts Council supports an art culture in Sea Cliff through these exhibits and by providing art classes, poetry meetings, meditation sessions and music lessons. Gonzalez said having his pieces showcased by the Arts Council means a lot to him.
“I'm really honored,” he said. “It's a great opportunity. I feel like there's a sense of validation, because there's so many great artists in this town, in this area, and so many great artists that have exhibited through the Sea Cliff Arts Council, so it's really an honor."
