Hello, all, my name is Eric! I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, though I have spent extended time elsewhere. I have worked in many different arenas in society at all different levels. I have operated my own brick and mortar business, directed healthcare network operations, designed thermodynamic systems, built barbed wire fence across the state of Wyoming, been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and developed and deployed a new process for quick-service coffee that nullifies the espresso machine. To be fully transparent, I do not believe in almost any of this economic society, i.e the goals, the subversion, the control and worst of all the abject lies that are given to us at birth that we are all individuals and that our world is external yet, coincidentally, there is a product for sale to “help” with those inorganic feelings. I love to study as much of this world as I can yet the further into esoteric study I find myself, the closer I find myself to abstract art. I believe this walk is one of individual interpretation, the cosmos to be constructed from the chaos in any way we perceptually feel fit and for this reason you will find the work to be highly interpretable amongst many people. We are all operating off the elusive “feel” of this life though our proclivity for organization and words can create opacity. Its all feel, and for this reason above all else, I hope you feel a touch of our unified infinity while viewing the work. Thank you for reading, truly...
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
Tucson
Tell us about your family
My family is wonderful. Mother Jean, Father David and two sisters Krista and Jamie
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them?
Clark is my polydactyl, part Maine coon cat! He’s a cuddly lover for sure! He especially loves to sleep in my lap while I paint.
When did you know that you would be an artist?
I’ve been creating different variations of art for most of my life. The application of paint to canvas for me was a large moment as I began to see the universe unfurl in front of me in ways I hadn’t experienced. But when did I know? I don’t believe I can answer that in current time. There is little of this world I can say that I “know”. Probably around the beginning of 2022 I realized I may have something tractable that people may, in their own perception, enjoy.
What is your favorite media to work with?
Acrylic and oil on canvas
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do?
Spend time with my beautiful fiancee Athena, read, meditate, study theory
For over two captivating decades, Lara Somers has immersed herself in the enchanting realms of artistry and photography, crafting evocative narratives that dance with the essence of nature. With a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from NAU and a master’s degree in art education from the University of Arizona, Lara has delved deep into the labyrinth of creativity, becoming a maestro of its twists and turns while kindling flames of inspiration in others. As the creative force behind the enchanting tale, “The Elephant That Couldn’t Sleep,” Lara not only paints worlds but breathes life into them, infusing her adoration for elephants and the magic of childhood into every stroke.
Her journey began in the vibrant tapestry of Tucson, where she found not just a home but a vortex of creativity that has pulsed through her veins ever since. A wanderer by nature, Lara traversed the globe for a decade, her art and family in tow, weaving threads of experience into the fabric of her work. Yet, amidst the wanderlust, her heart yearned for the desert sun of Tucson, a longing that now colors her recent creations with a poignant nostalgia. Against all odds, fate smiled upon her, and she and her husband found themselves drawn back to the desert embrace of Tucson, where they now call home. When not lost in the labyrinth of her studio, Lara can be found traversing the rugged trails of the Southwest with her husband and son, capturing moments of raw beauty through her lens, and infusing them into her art. In her world, every brushstroke is a love letter to the majesty of nature, a testament to the enduring magic of home...
The Tucson Gallery Asked Each Artist The Same Questions To Get To Know Them Better
Where did you grow up?
I moved to Tucson at the age of 11, and although I’m not technically a native, it has been my home for the longest part of my life. Prior to Tucson, I lived in Alabama and North Carolina. Moving to the desert was a significant adjustment, but it has been an incredible journey. I’ve found amazing, life-long friends here and haven’t looked back since
Tell us about your family
Well, my journey with my husband Tony, began back at NAU in Flagstaff, where we crossed paths as students. Tony’s knack for mechanical engineering always impressed me; he has this uncanny ability to troubleshoot and repair just about anything, which I find incredibly admirable.
Over the past 15 years of marriage, we’ve cultivated a wonderful bond, and our household is further enriched by our curious and nature-loving 9-year-old son. He’s absolutely enthralled by the world of insects, animals, and the great outdoors. Reflecting on my own affinity for nature, I realize it’s a legacy passed down from my father, an arborist who instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural world during childhood walks, pointing out the diverse species of trees. And then there’s my mother – she pursued creative writing in college but ultimately chose a path in respiratory therapy, working tirelessly as a single parent. Despite her dedication to healthcare, she encouraged me to follow my passions, steering me away from the medical field. Their influences have shaped our family dynamic and my own career pursuits
Do you have pets, if yes, tell us about them?
Yes, I have three very spoiled, small dogs. It’s wonderful, except when someone knocks on the door or rings the doorbell. My son has a bearded dragon and raises beetles, as he dreams of becoming an entomologist. While I’m not particularly fond of bugs, I’m doing my best to embrace his passion.
When did you know that you would be an artist?
From a very young age, I always loved being creative and working with my hands. Art and music were always my favorite subjects. In high school, I played the clarinet in the band and considered a career in music, but the visual arts increasingly drew my attention. I spent my spare time sketching, always immersed in my sketchbook.
One memorable moment was when my friends surprised me by turning my sketchbook into a coloring book. We sold it to people on 4th Avenue to raise funds for a trip to Mexico. This experience marked a turning point, both for my art and my perception of its potential. It was then that I truly felt my passion for visual arts solidify and take a new direction.
What is your favorite media to work with?
I have a deep love for painting, alternating between watercolor and acrylics. Watercolor allows me to be more fluid and less perfectionistic, encouraging a more relaxed and intuitive approach. It also helps me to be more conscious of how light is portrayed. Acrylics, on the other hand, offer a different kind of control and vibrancy, balancing my artistic exploration.
What do you do when you’re not doing the voodoo that you do?
When I’m not creating, I love spending time with my son and husband. We enjoy golfing, hiking, swimming, playing guitar and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Southwest. I also work full-time in an arts administrative position, where I relish the opportunity to promote other artists.
Discover the Best Creative Activities in Tucson for Kidshttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Gila-monster-reading-mural-joe-pagac-tucson-gallery-az-art.png22501181The Tucson GalleryThe Tucson Galleryhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Gila-monster-reading-mural-joe-pagac-tucson-gallery-az-art.png
Joe Pagac’s whimsical mural at Tucson Gallery featuring a Gila monster enjoying a book.
Tucson isn’t just a city bathed in sunshine and stunning desert landscapes; it’s also a vibrant hub for creativity. And the good news? This artistic spirit extends far beyond traditional museums, offering exciting ways for kids of all ages to explore the wonderful world of art.
Here’s your guide to some of the most engaging spots in Tucson where your little ones can unleash their inner artist and discover the joy of creation:
1. Unleash the Explorer Within: Tohono Chul Park
Kids enjoying creative and educational activities at Tohono Chul in Tucson, AZ.
Tohono Chul Park is more than just a botanical garden showcasing the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Think of it as an outdoor art gallery nestled amidst cacti and blooming flowers. Intriguing sculptures and installations peek out from unexpected corners, blending seamlessly with the natural environment. Kids will be captivated by the giant metal flowers, the whimsical “Wishing Tree,” and the playful water features adorned with colorful mosaic tiles.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Tohono Chul boasts a dedicated Children’s Garden, a wonderland specifically designed to spark young imaginations. Here, artistic elements are woven into the interactive play areas. Water features gurgle and splash, encouraging exploration, while climbing structures resemble fantastical creatures straight out of a storybook. It’s a place where kids can get messy, have fun, and discover the artistic possibilities hidden within nature’s playground. TohonoChul.org
2. Journey Through Miniature Worlds: The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures
Step into The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and prepare to be transported to a world shrunk down to size. This whimsical museum boasts an incredible collection of miniature scenes, from historical dioramas depicting life in ancient Egypt to fantastical fairytale landscapes complete with tiny castles and miniature dragons. Each meticulously crafted display is a work of art, filled with intricate details that will keep kids entertained for hours.
The museum is more than just a passive viewing experience. Interactive exhibits allow children to get hands-on with miniature furniture and figurines, letting them create their own miniature stories. They can even peek through special magnifying glasses to get an even closer look at the tiny details. It’s a place that ignites curiosity and imagination, inspiring kids to see the world from a different perspective and appreciate the beauty of small things. TheMiniTimeMachine.org
Kids enjoying creative activities at the Mini Time Machine Museum in Tucson, AZ.
3. Get Hands-On at This ‘n’ That Creative Studio
This ‘n’ That Creative Studio isn’t your typical art store. It’s an explosion of color, creativity, and pure artistic fun! This studio goes beyond simply selling art supplies; it offers a vibrant space for kids to explore their artistic talents through a variety of classes and workshops. From pottery painting and jewelry making to canvas painting and clay sculpting, there’s something to pique every artistic interest. The instructors are passionate and patient, guiding young artists with a playful approach that fosters confidence and self-expression.
This ‘n’ That also provides open studio time, perfect for letting your little Picasso loose with a set of paints and brushes. They can experiment on their own, following their creative whims, or use the provided stencils and art prompts to create masterpieces. The studio provides a welcoming and encouraging environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn and grow.
Parents won’t feel left out here, they also offer sip and sew nights, brews and crafts etc. Check their website for more information: ThisNThatCreativeStudio.com
4. Spark Curiosity at the Tucson Children’s Museum
While not solely focused on art, the Tucson Children’s Museum plays a vital role in nurturing young minds and fostering creativity. Through a variety of interactive exhibits, kids can build, paint, and experiment in a world designed to spark curiosity and exploration. The “Art Studio” exhibit provides an open space for them to unleash their inner artist, using paint, crayons, and other materials to create their own masterpieces. Another exhibit, “The Grocery Store,” lets them design packaging and create marketing campaigns, encouraging them to think creatively and solve problems.
The museum’s philosophy is all about learning through play. As kids explore the exhibits, they develop important artistic skills like hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and spatial reasoning. It’s a place where artistic expression goes hand-in-hand with learning and discovery, creating a well-rounded foundation for future artistic endeavors. ChildrensMuseumTucson.org
Kids enjoying hands-on creative activities at the Tucson Children’s Museum in downtown Tucson, AZ.
5. Immerse Yourself in the Community: Second Saturdays on Congress Street
On the second Saturday night of every month, Congress Street in Tucson transforms into a giant art walk. This free, community-driven event is a fantastic way to expose your kids to a diverse range of art forms. Street performers showcase their talents, musicians fill the air with vibrant melodies, and local artists set up booths to display their work.
Strolling down Congress Street becomes an artistic adventure. Kids can watch live painting demonstrations, marvel at intricate sculptures, and gaze up at some of the most amazing murals by AZ award winning mural artists. This vibrant atmosphere fosters a sense of community and allows kids to see art and culture all in one place. Note: Sometimes due to excessive heat, this event may shut down in June and July. Check the website for updates: 2ndSaturdaysDowntown.com
Stop into The Tucson Gallery and check out the art, stickers and other fun stuff created by local Tucson artists and award-winning muralists. TheTucsonGallery.com Check out the galleries fun events here.
Bonus Tip: Many local libraries and community centers offer free or low-cost art classes and workshops for kids. Check out their listings to see what hidden gems you might discover!
Tucson Gallery – Located at 300 E Congress Street
Tucson Gallery Operating HoursPlease Review Us On GoogleWhere To Park When You Visit Us!
The Surprising Magic Of Art: How It Benefits Kidshttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/benefits-teaching-children-kids-art-creativity-Tucson-AZ-painting.png31361792The Tucson GalleryThe Tucson Galleryhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/benefits-teaching-children-kids-art-creativity-Tucson-AZ-painting.png
Kids in Tucson, AZ, exploring their creativity through painting and art.
The Colorful Canvas of Development: How Art Benefits Children
Art isn’t just about creating pretty pictures; for children, it’s a powerful tool that fosters a multitude of skills and lays the groundwork for a well-rounded development. From sparking creativity to building confidence, art serves as a language that transcends words, offering a unique space for children to explore, express, and grow.
Let’s delve into the vibrant world of art education and explore the many ways it benefits children:
Joe Pagac’s vibrant mural at Tucson Gallery showcases the playful interaction between a baby bobcat and a coyote, sparking creativity in children.
Unlocking Creativity and Imagination: Art provides a platform for children to unleash their boundless imagination. Whether its finger painting a swirling galaxy or sculpting a fantastical creature from clay, art allows them to experiment with ideas, explore different techniques, and bring their unique visions to life. This open-ended environment fosters divergent thinking, the ability to generate multiple solutions to a problem, a crucial skill for innovation and problem-solving in all aspects of life.
Building Fine Motor Skills: From the precise grip required for holding a paintbrush to the dexterity needed for cutting and pasting, art activities provide a fun and engaging way for children to develop their fine motor skills. As they manipulate different art materials, their hand-eye coordination improves, preparing them for tasks like writing, dressing independently, and other activities requiring controlled movements.
Nurturing Social and Emotional Development: Art isn’t always a solitary pursuit. Collaborative art projects encourage children to work together, share ideas, and negotiate solutions. This fosters social skills like teamwork, communication, and empathy. Additionally, art allows children to express a wide range of emotions, be it joy, frustration, or sadness, in a safe and non-judgmental space. This can be particularly helpful for children who struggle with verbal communication.
Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence: Completing an art project, big or small, instills a sense of accomplishment in children. Seeing their creation come to life builds self-esteem and confidence. Art allows them to take risks, experiment without fear of failure, and learn from their mistakes, all of which contribute to a positive self-image.
Enhancing Cognitive Skills: Art isn’t just about creativity; it also engages cognitive skills. As children plan their artwork, they practice critical thinking and decision-making. Experimenting with different colors, shapes, and textures helps them understand cause and effect, spatial relationships, and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, art education can improve memory and focus, benefiting children in all areas of learning.
Building Cultural Awareness: Art allows children to explore different cultures and historical periods. By studying and creating art inspired by diverse traditions, they gain a broader understanding of the world and develop a sense of appreciation for different artistic expressions.
The Power of Play: Making Art Accessible
The most important aspect of art education for children is to make it enjoyable. Here are some ways to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for artistic exploration: add jessica Gonzales dragon here
A stunning mural by Jessica Gonzales located in downtown Tucson, celebrating art and creativity through the joyful depiction of children.
Focus on the Process, Not the Product: Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece; let the fun of exploration take center stage. Provide a variety of materials like paints, crayons, clay, and recycled items, and encourage children to experiment freely.
Embrace the Mess: Art can get messy, and that’s perfectly okay! Embrace the mess as part of the creative process.
Art Everywhere: Art appreciation and creation can happen anywhere, anytime. Take walks in nature and observe the colors and textures, visit art museums, explore the amazing Tucson murals or simply create art supplies out of household items. Check out these fun places to visit: Discover the Best Creative Activities in Tucson for Kids
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child’s artistic endeavors, regardless of the outcome. Focus on the effort and joy they experience rather than a perceived lack of skill.
Conclusion
Art education is a vital part of a child’s development. It’s a language that allows them to express themselves, explore their creativity, and build a foundation for important life skills. By providing children with opportunities to create and appreciate art, we equip them with the tools they need to thrive, not just in the art room, but in all aspects of their lives. So, grab some crayons, paints, or your favorite art supplies, and join your child on their artistic journey. Remember, the most beautiful creations often begin with a simple exploration of color and form.
For information about art programs for youth, including ideas that you may have, please contact The Tucson Gallery at phone number located on the website: TheTucsonGallery.com
Tucson Gallery – Located at 300 E Congress Street
Tucson Gallery Operating HoursPlease Review Us On GoogleWhere To Park When You Visit Us!
Capturing Essence: Rob Waters on the Art of Seeing Differentlyhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_7235.jpg13501800The Tucson GalleryThe Tucson Galleryhttps://thetucsongallery.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_7235.jpg
Capturing Essence: Rob Waters on the Art of Seeing Differently
Welcome to the Tucson Gallery’s exclusive “Meet the Artist” series, where we celebrate the incredible talents and stories of our featured artists. In our latest installment, we had the privilege of hosting Rob Waters, a distinguished representational artist known for his unique ability to capture the essence and spirit of his subjects. This event, titled “Capturing Essence: Rob Waters on the Art of Seeing Differently,” offers a deep dive into Rob’s artistic journey and his philosophical approach to art.
About Rob Waters: Rob Waters is celebrated for his exceptional skill in creating artworks that reflect the way we truly see the world. His pieces are characterized by lost and found edges, dynamic gestures, and familiar shapes, all of which come together to create a vivid and authentic visual experience. Rob’s journey through various artistic mediums ultimately led him back to his passion for oil painting, where he has found the freedom to express the fluidity and depth of his subjects.
Event Highlights:
The Artistic Journey: Rob discusses his transition from graphic design to rediscovering his passion for oil painting, fueled by the gift of a beautiful easel.
Philosophy of Art: Insights into Rob’s philosophy of staying loose and free in his work, allowing the medium to speak for itself and capturing the true essence of his subjects.
Emotional Resonance: Exploration of how Rob uses abstract media to evoke emotional responses and open windows for viewers to experience the world through his eyes.
Techniques and Styles: A look at Rob’s diverse range of techniques and styles, from oil painting to staccato pencil lines and sky sketches.
Community and Connection: Rob’s experiences in various artistic communities, including his time in New York, Boston, and Tucson, and how these environments have influenced his work.
Viewer Interaction: The importance of viewer interpretation and interaction with art, as discussed through Rob’s candid stories and experiences.
Transcript Excerpt: During the podcast, Rob shares: “I relish and revel in paint strokes and the consistency of thick paint. When you step back, you can take it in as a whole. Up close, you can see what my brush was doing. It’s all about capturing movement and attitude in a quick, gestural way.”
Listen to the Full Episode: To dive deeper into Rob Waters’ artistic world, listen to the full episode of “Meet the Artist” on our SoundCloud page.
Watch the Event Video: Catch the entire conversation and see Rob’s expressive work in action by watching the video podcast on our YouTube channel.
Explore and Engage:
Explore More of Rob Waters’ Work: Discover Rob Waters’ incredible artworks and learn more about his artistic journey on his artist page.
Join Our Next Event: Don’t miss out on our upcoming events! Stay updated and be part of our vibrant art community by following our event calendar.
Follow Us: Keep up with the latest news, events, and artist features by following Tucson Gallery on Facebook and Instagram.
About Tucson Gallery: Located at 300 E Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701, Tucson Gallery is dedicated to supporting local artists by providing a space to showcase their art, engage with the community, and connect with a global audience. We offer a wide selection of art, gifts, and merchandise created by Tucson’s modern, thought-provoking, and forward-thinking artists.
For more information about our live events, podcasts, and the wide array of art we offer, visit Tucson Gallery.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event!
Transcript (Unedited)
Tom Heath Welcome back to another installment of Meet the Artist. It’s a production of the Tucson Gallery. We are down here in downtown Tucson at 300 East Congress Street or in the proper shops across from Hotel Congress, or really close to the Rialto Theater. And we have about 35 featured artists in the gallery. Every now and then we get one of them to give up a few of their hours.
Tom Heath In an evening, they come in and meet their fans. And, when they’re here, we recommend doing a podcast so we can preserve their oral history for, posterity sake. And tonight we have, Rob waters with us. So, Rob, welcome to meet the Artist guys.
Rob Waters Thank you. Thanks very much. Good to be here.
Tom Heath All right. Well, we, we are in downtown Tucson. And if you look a lot of your work, it looks like you might spend some time in downtown Tucson yourself.
Rob Waters I do, I do, I try to get it all over town, but downtown is a favorite spot.
Tom Heath And when I first looked at your, the work that you were doing, some of the things that stood out to me were like your doorways and, your your barrio photo, images. So they’re they’re really just stunning.
Rob Waters Well, thank you. Thank you so much.
Tom Heath You’re welcome. Well, I’m going to invite you on a podcast and insult you. Your brush strokes are too heavy.
Rob Waters It’s embarrassing. This is not a critique. Thank goodness. Okay.
Tom Heath Huge, huge fan. This is, you know, part of the reason why Tony right there and I opened the gallery is, is individually, we don’t have much talent. So collectively, we can lean on, the talents of our community and take some, some credit for sharing it with the world.
Rob Waters No, thanks. Thanks for supporting local artist. I really appreciate it. We all do.
Tom Heath Thank you. Well, we’re happy to do it now. Yeah. If I remember correctly, reading your bio, which is available on the Tucson Gallery’s website, you are not a native Tucson. That’s right. You’re California.
Rob Waters California, Southern California, Ontario, California, outside of Los Angeles.
Tom Heath I’ve been in the airport. Yes, that’s about the extent of my area passed through.
Rob Waters There used to be a racetrack there, too. That was a it no longer exists, but it.
Tom Heath Were you, were you a transplant then from Southern Cal, did you like, did you lose a bet? Because most people don’t leave Southern California like San Diego in that area to come here, right?
Rob Waters What got into me? I actually I grew up in Southern Cal. I went to school, in San Diego, undergraduate. I went to Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. And then I sort of the coop I moved to New York City.
Tom Heath Okay. And that makes a little more sense than okay. Yeah, West coast, East coast, kind of explore the world, right?
Rob Waters So I popped around a few places. So it’s been been a fun experience.
Tom Heath But what and what brought you what hopped you into Tucson? What was the.
Rob Waters Okay, well, let’s see. So I did move. Okay. I was in New York, was in graphic design. I spent a lot of my life as a graphic designer. Okay, but I studied illustration in art school, and, decided I. I needed to make some money, so graphic design was a, a great transition for me.
Tom Heath Yeah, I mean, I, I didn’t realize that you had studied illustration in college. I needed graphic design, but I realize you’d studied that, right?
Rob Waters No. Yeah, I was there for a couple of years at Art center, and, it was a great experience. Is a great. It was like graduate school. Yeah. Art center is a really intense program. They’re known for their industrial design. Okay. Graham. And and they do a lot of, putting out a lot of, automotive designers that are top notch.
Tom Heath Oh, wow.
Rob Waters And illustrators and, and so the finest illustrators have gone through Art Center College of Design. And so I hope that that would sort of osmosis is a.
Tom Heath Know what feels like an osmosis of that osmosis.
Rob Waters It I think it did. It still is. I still remember those days. And, and the things that were learned and talked about it. Yeah. Okay. So good good. Good experience. Good. Very.
Tom Heath And so you’re, you’re, you’re in New York, you’re working I mean that’s a great place to be if you’re in design and illustration and you’re probably working for what were you like one of those mad men? Were you working on Madison Avenue? Right.
Rob Waters Quite. Not quite. No. I was I actually worked at the Met Opera. I oh, I was in that opera for about seven years as a graphic designer. I worked in that merchandizing department, and did, a lot of, it’s, album, jacket, design and, and programs. And I really, I mean, like, I what am I saying?
Rob Waters Like the program notes and the jacket, the, the all of the things that surround them.
Tom Heath For the opera.
Rob Waters Yes. Okay. Opera. I didn’t know too much about opera, when I took the job, but it was a great education again. And and just being at Lincoln Center every day was pretty easy.
Tom Heath Oh, I can only imagine. I mean, if you ask how old you were at this point, you.
Rob Waters I’m sure, but I won’t tell you. Perfect.
Tom Heath Ask anything you want.
Rob Waters I was about how old I was. Probably the 27.
Tom Heath Oh, my gosh, 27 years old in New York looking at Lincoln City. Oh my gosh.
Rob Waters Exactly.
Tom Heath That’s like. That’s like the dream if you’re in design, right? I mean, you got to be surrounded by all these people that are just feeding off this, the same energy.
Rob Waters Yeah. Yeah, it was a great place to live. And, a hard place to live to. It was, not as hard as now, but I wish I had been able to sink my, pocketbook into some real estate at that point.
Tom Heath Yeah, yeah, should have cut out.
Rob Waters But but it was a good time. I tried to get back there once a year. And just do theater and. Yeah. Okay. And values and whatnot.
Tom Heath So you still have some of those connections that I would imagine reforms, some relationships there over the years.
Rob Waters A lot of people have moved on. Okay. Passed away. It was a period of, 80, 1981 was, you know, Aids was hitting the world. It came to New York pretty badly. Yeah. My friends have, passed on.
Tom Heath I know it’s a.
Rob Waters Sobering, sobering time, I.
Tom Heath Can imagine. Yeah, all the excitement, but, yeah, the I don’t tend to gloss over all the. I mean, you’re the you’re the melting pot, right? Everyone is there. All the excitement, all the fun. But with that, all of the challenges and the and then the the difficulties.
Rob Waters Right, right. But it was a good, good time to be there as a young, young person, a younger person.
Tom Heath A good place to visit as a as a more, seasoned person.
Rob Waters Exactly, exactly.
Tom Heath You got a lot more money in the pocket that can maybe can afford a few more things there.
Rob Waters Yeah, but my, what brought me here to Tucson? My partner, got, a position with Arizona Theater Company, and he ran Arizona here.
Tom Heath Oh, right down here. Yeah. Oh, Scott. Okay.
Rob Waters Yeah. So he ran Arizona theater companies, managing directors for six years. Okay. And so that brought me this direction that I love to saw.
Tom Heath What time frame was this?
Rob Waters This was, hello, 89 to 95.
Tom Heath Okay.
Rob Waters Yeah. And then moved to Chicago again. And, and during that time here in Tucson, I was doing graphic design and some illustration as well, but, freelance, my time here then moved to Chicago, began doing graphic design and, a variety of things. I wasn’t painting like I am today. What got me into into painting?
Rob Waters Was, my partner, Robert got me at a wonderful easel. We were living on the North shore of Boston at that time there.
Tom Heath And Boston, we’re just in Chicago.
Rob Waters I know, so it was the truth.
Tom Heath Are you, like, on the run? Yes. Rob, water is really your name. That seems like pretty, pretty coincidental for someone who dabbles with watercolor to rob water.
Rob Waters Exactly. It’s a little too obvious, right? Yeah, it’s a pseudonym.
Tom Heath I actually, yeah. I don’t tell anybody my real name anyway. So you you’re you’re in Boston and you get an easel for from Robert.
Rob Waters Yes. And, so you got to get back to painting and I did, and I just have not turned back. And I been enjoying painting a lot more and and, showing and selling. That’s always good. So, so, yeah, it’s, it’s been a good pass. And I still do design. Graphic design a little bit, a little pro bono right now, but, but my painting and drawing, I have a variety of styles.
Tom Heath Yeah, that was something I wanted to touch on because a lot of the artists that I. And everyone has a creative side that they delve into. But you, yours is a little bit harder to narrow down because you don’t have just a medium you like oil painting of water color. You do, pencil. Right? Right. Yeah. So you do have all these different formats, and I know a lot of artists can, but they don’t necessarily produces prolifically as you do in all of these different areas.
Rob Waters Thanks. Yeah, I try to I just try to wear several different hats and I, I get bored. So I have a, you know, a variety.
Tom Heath Of I’ve mastered oil painting. It’s time for something else. Exactly.
Rob Waters Yeah. You know, I don’t think I can say I’ve mastered it. You know, it’s always a work in progress, but I, I’ve had some I feel like I’ve had some successes with oil painting and, and that’s been really good. It’s been a good adventure. But I, I’ve always been drawing, I’ve drawn since I was a kid. Yeah. But and, and, even in New York, I was doing graphic design.
Rob Waters I was, I would draw at the Art Students League after work. And work from a life model and, and that’s always been a part of my, my training and my love. I really enjoyed working on the model and working with a group of people, you know, a group of artists that, that come to get the job from the figure.
Rob Waters That’s always a great study. And, the good practice, good mileage to get. So. So, yeah, I do have a lot of figure drawings. But I don’t show them on my website that much. In terms of my sketches, I do a lot of sketching on airplanes. I have what I call sky sketches, and I draw people on the airplanes.
Tom Heath That should be a whole thing on your website. Skies. Okay.
Rob Waters It is.
Tom Heath I have to go check that out. Sky sketches.
Rob Waters Yeah. Look under my my sketchbook, sketchbook art and, it is fun. It’s fun stuff. So I have that style and I have the watercolors, colored figures that I do work from, from, nice models and, they’re, they’re fun to do. Not. It’s fun.
Tom Heath But I was reading, the, some of the stuff that you have on your website, I really appreciated your candor and your your philosophy towards art because you said something. A lot of artists don’t always admit that. Sometimes they do things quickly. And I’m not saying they rush it, but. But you. You intentionally do not take. Like you said, you’re not laborious about your art.
Tom Heath You like it to flow at a certain speed.
Rob Waters Right? Yeah. I think that there’s sometimes you lose the freshness of the piece if it’s belabored, at least for me. And, I like the gesture of a brushstroke, not, not overdoing it. When I’m working with the signature, gestures are always so exciting to see where, where you can capture, movement and attitude in a, let’s figure, quickly.
Rob Waters Yeah. It’s, it’s been a good learning process.
Tom Heath Really. Yeah. I just I appreciate that and I think, you know, and of course since we’re, we’re doing a podcast, it’s all about me as the host, I found really the same thing when I, when I first started doing podcasts, I was a perfectionist and I would cut and I would edit in a restate and I’d go back and forth and, and there’s, there’s a continuity that just got lost and everything was was articulated correctly, but it didn’t flow properly.
Tom Heath And I can, you know, now we just we record if there’s errors and we say things as long as they’re not, you know, oh, you know, really bad. Right. We let it slide and more more errors. But there’s also a better product at the end. And I’m not saying your art’s filled with errors, but but I he’s looking at me like, what’s wrong?
Tom Heath What’s wrong with my art? But what I say, you know, that slow, that spontaneity that you get that inspiration, it flows through and you can see it in and in your work.
Rob Waters No thank you. And I do think that my artwork is filled with errors. I mean, it’s, it’s sort of process. My, I, I’d like to think that my work shows a process. And, even in my, my sketches, I don’t always put down the right line. But then I corrected, you can still see where I’ve gone at first, and then I’ve gone back to correct.
Rob Waters I, I kind of like that process where you, where it’s like, oh yeah, that’s that wasn’t quite right. Let me try it again. So yeah.
Tom Heath Cuz you’re, you’re, you are showing that process from start to finish. You’re showing the entire iteration of that piece of art versus hiding some of it because you, you didn’t like the way it looked and that that’s that’s brave in some ways I think.
Rob Waters Or stupid, I don’t.
Tom Heath Either way. I mean, usually it’s hard to tell between the two right here. He’s you saw a fine.
Rob Waters Line, but.
Tom Heath One of the first pieces you brought into the gallery was Holy Week, and it was a picture of a of a barrio setting a door, a lot of a lot of vegetation around it. And, when we were hanging it, it was interesting because my two businessperson and I were here and it was late on a Wednesday night.
Tom Heath We had just reset the entire gallery, so we’re kind of tired and we’re looking at it and this, this thought and, and bear with me till the end of the to the end of the sentiment here. The way we looked at it, it seemed like, you know, this, this maybe isn’t our favorite piece of Rob’s. And, you know, we’re just right up close on it.
Tom Heath And then we put it on the wall and we walked away from it a few feet, and all of a sudden, all this depth and richness sort of popped out that we couldn’t see right up close anyway. Oh my gosh, this is one of Rob’s best works. We love this piece.
Rob Waters Thank you, thank you.
Tom Heath Is that is that an intentional technique or are we just really tired.
Rob Waters Or were you doing drugs? I don’t know, no. I think that was intentional. I, I don’t, I’m not a photo realist, but I, I think I want to I’m looking up at the piece up in the corner, just to remind me, remember, what it was like to paint it. And I do relish and revel in paint strokes and the consistency of sick paint and paint.
Rob Waters But whatever the case may be that I got that one pretty sick in the foreground with the.
Tom Heath Vegetation, and that might be what it is. But, you know, just from that you get to to 5 to 6ft away from it and you’re staring at it and it really, it really takes on a different character than when you’re right on.
Rob Waters Right. So you have to step back and take it in, and it comes together more, as a, as a whole. You get up close, you can see what my brush was doing.
Tom Heath It was very representative of the barrio. Yeah. I think you have a lot of work. It’s not exclusively to downtown, but a lot of what you bring into us because we’re located in downtown is is, you know, kind of the artwork that we have is a lot of focus on that. But your your website is from.
Rob Waters Rob waters fine art. Dot com.
Tom Heath Fine art. Yes. Nice.
Rob Waters Easy to find. Yes. Not water’s fine. Okay. Yeah.
Tom Heath And you know, we also have a lot of things on our, on our, on the Tucson galleries, web page with your artist. On your artist bio, there’s merchandise that can be purchased and things of that nature. In the gallery, we’ve got cards and some originals and, a few, reproductions, I believe that we’ve got in here.
Tom Heath Right. So it’s it’s a great chance. If you’re not familiar with Rob waters work, head to Rob Waters Fine arts.com, or head over to the Tucson gallery. Dot, dot com and check it out. And if you’re on the Tucson Galleries page, maybe sign up for our events. Because these meet the artists things, they pop up training as we get into the fall, start doing them more, you know, monthly, and, you just never know who’s going to stop by and, and share a little love and, and, and, and tell us about their, their techniques and their style and share a cocktail and have a fun time.
Rob Waters Yeah. All all that is rolled up into this one corner.
Tom Heath Yeah.
Rob Waters It’s it’s great what you would you provide here for the community.
Tom Heath Do you have social media that people can follow. Do you do social media.
Rob Waters Yeah I post my, my work on Facebook and and Instagram as well.
Tom Heath As a Rob waters fine art there as well.
Rob Waters You know, I should know that address if you just Google or if, you.
Tom Heath Know, we’ll figure it out.
Rob Waters Here’s fine artist. It’s not from some might be. Yeah I want AW1228. I’m not sure that’s my birthday, so.
Tom Heath Well, 1 to 2, 1220.
Rob Waters 8 or 28. Yes, I got one.
Tom Heath Yeah. We’re halfway there for you.
Rob Waters We’re halfway here. Right.
Tom Heath But if you have any, any desire to check out Rob’s rock, you can do it at the to sign galleries.com or or his website. Check out the Instagram or Facebook. And of course, we’ll be linking to a lot of things through our Facebook page. And Rob, I appreciate you taking the time today to share with us.
Tom Heath I’m, I’m glad that you made it back to Tucson and and hopefully the heat’s off and you can stick around for a while and whatever, whatever statute of limitations is expired and you’re able to.
Rob Waters Well thank you. Yeah. My past has been a little convoluted, and I, I may have made it more confusing the should at the end, but, yeah. Thanks for following my track and what got me here. I love Tucson. It’s my home. It’s a great place.
Thank you for listening to Meet the Artist. This is a weekly production by the Tucson Gallery, located inside of the proper shops at 300 East Conca Street in Tucson, Arizona. The mission of the Tucson Gallery is to support local artists by providing a space to show their art, a forum to engage with their audience, a virtual presence to connect with global patrons, an outlet to earn a fair price and opportunity to hone their business skills.
Head over to the Tucson gallery.com for more information about our live events. Listen to other Meet the Artists podcast and check out the wide selection of art, gifts and other items created by Tucson’s modern, thought provoking and a forward thinking artist.
