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Alvin
Gill-Tapia
His interest in the arts began at an early age,
with an interest in color and drawing, his first
medium was Conte/Crayon and paper. Watercolor and
pottery followed with him designing, creating &
firing in the primitive methods. It became a stronghold
and remained a firm interest through his intermediate
school years. Until a family member handed him a
35mm SLR camera, and suddenly a whole new world
opened up to him. He was made School Photographer
which included darkroom processing & developing
of the film. Today Photography and Drawing remains
an outlet for Gill-Tapia.
In the early 90's Alvin was introduced to Maud
Henon, whom became his mentor in painting and textile.
The studio and travel time over the next fours years
developed & refined his skills in painting,
firmly planting him in this new path. With Maud's
encouragement Gill-Tapia moved to New York City
and studied with some of New York's finest painters
and drafts people. His skills and focus quickly
awarded him teacher's assistant/monitor positions
at many significant art institutions in NYC. Including,
The Art Students League of New York, The New York
Academy, The National Academy of Art as well as
several others. While in New York he ran a drawing
group that met consistently for four years as well
as teaching both adults and youth.
Today Gill-Tapia makes his home in Santa Fe, New
Mexico - the nation's third largest art center.
He paints in a style inspired by the 17th Century
and when asked who most inspires his work his quick
response - "Rembrandt". One can see this
influence especially with regards to light effects
& style in his paintings. Gill-Tapia has carefully
studied many old masters techniques and manuscripts.
Incorporating this knowledge, he grinds many of
his own pigments and mediums, much like were done
in centuries past.
Some words from Gill-Tapia - Santa Fe, 2005
My paintings are a culmination of thoughts and
ideas that I cultivate over time. These works hold
significance to life and its fragility even through
strength. Our innate human weakness is a significant
part of each of us. One learns to disguise these
weaknesses, but however deep they may lie buried
we know they are there. It is in these weaknesses
that each of us become vulnerable and reveal a beauty
beyond words. I continue to work on my still-life
paintings and have just begun a series incorporating
figures. These figures are placed in landscapes
found around New Mexico. Often including multiple
areas, that ultimately makes a setting for my scenes.
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Paintings
Tapestries
Drawings
Photography
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