Solis is the featured artist currently at Magnet – the Castro hub of health and social well being for gay/bi men. Solis received his digital design diploma from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2007. He is a self-taught painter/ mixed media artist. He says his latest series, “We Are Wildewood,” is influenced by comic books, video games, urban vinyl toys, and ‘80s retro vibes. Bright colors and bold lines are key elements in the various pieces that are created using mixed media or drawn digitally.
He tells Bay Times he picked up some acrylic paints and began exploring various styles and techniques on paper and wood panels. “Always having an affinity for science fiction and other folklore in general, I decided to build story lines and invent characters using this material as reference. Native American culture is always a big influence for him, and in particular the Kachinas and their individual symbolisms connect with him. Just after a few months of beginning painting, he applied to City Art Gallery on Valencia Street and shared his portfolio with members there. “They accepted me, and I have been showing my work there in group shows since 2009. Being surrounded by other creative types is truly motivating and nurturing as it challenges me to push my work beyond my own professional and personal boundaries, comfort zones, and what others might consider ‘beauty,’” he says.
“Growing up in the 1980’s, lately, my inspiration is drawn upon colors, styles and other pop culture of those times,” he says. “In addition, street art and vinyl art toys are my contemporary inspirations. I have acquired a new computer recently and I have begun creating digital versions of what I consider to be my version of “Kachinas - the inhabitants of the world I’m creating through my latest series, ‘We Are Wildewood.’”
In his digital design, he creates using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. He also uses a digital camera for the background images. For his painting/ mixed media projects, he uses colored pencil, acrylic paints, vintage comic book clippings, vintage found objects – “whatever I feel will provide a voice for the piece. In the near future I hope to add a small line of sculptures to the series.”
Rough sketching is the first phase of his creative process - putting anything and everything down on paper (this might also include just writing down a random character name or attribute). His work is very geometric in nature, especially in his digital design work. “So I like to build the basic outline first, then add other details,” he says. “I also like to play with negative space (blank space) between objects. I’m not in the frame of mind at this point, or feel the need to fill every single space in a work of art.” In his paintings you will consistently see that he has left the backgrounds blank, “as I rather enjoy the look and feel of the natural wood surface and feel that in my style that it references the organic nature of my art.” He says, “Before any particular project is completed, there are probably two or three other versions floating around my apartment (much to frustration of my partner; but my cats love the adventure of sticking their paws in my paints and finding mischief in that.”
He notes some of his philosophies in life include: “Stay young at heart and never forget your humble beginnings.” His message to art viewers?
Remember that everything is art. From the wonder of one’s own body to the chair you use at home, to the tube of toothpaste you buy at the store.
Art is all around you every day.”
Wildewood is a realm in an alternate universe where the Neonates and the other inhabitants share lives, laughs, and love. In this world, some of the first Neonates to be introduced are: O.G “OG” and B.O.G “BOG” the simian fraternal twins; D. Gem - hawk princess and heir to her family’s kingdom; and L’il Al E. - a homeless vagabond and prankster whose actions often get him into mischief, and he also seems to have uncanny luck that provides some natural defense mechanism. In addition to the Neonates there are other beings such as Serena A., A. Migo, and Z. Ed who play the roles of observers and protectors that help keep order and balance in the universe. Their origins are as of yet unknown. Each being in Wildewood has a totem charm in the center of their belly that can serve as a type of arsenal that is unique to each individual member. As examples, B.O.G wields his “Big Block Drop” to fall like a huge weight on his opponent with sufficient force to restrain the opponent without injury; while O.G’s charm allows him to “tie” his opponent in a vice-like grip. The comic book and video game references will become more apparent especially to those who have a connection with these genres.
More serious subjects such as battling “assimilation” and bridging “equality” gaps will be handled in subtle ways in the series as well. He announces, “More information will be revealed about each Wildewood being as the stories progress, and I welcome readers to follow the evolution on heartofsolis.com, which was just launched on Dec. 3.”
After seeing his art, viewers should walk away with a smile and want to pick up a paint brush themselves to let their inner child out to play.
“I want to take a minute to offer my sincere gratitude to Stephen Gibson and Greg Zhovreboff for their great support and assistance with making the hanging go smoothly and opening night fun and rewarding,” he says. “I appreciate the support and time of the volunteers and other friends of Magnet that were at the opening as well,” he concludes. “And of course, a special acknowledgment to Sister Dana for further brightening a great night for me by sharing some time at the opening.”
You can also view his painting/ mixed media work at City Art Gallery, 828 Valencia Street, from December through Jan. 30.
