Gustavo Torres

Gustavo Torres' experiences while attending a private Catholic school as a child had great impact on his early art education, and religious symbols were his subjects during these formative years. Torres' style is both primitive and abstract and he looks to create a ''spiritual balance'' in his art.

He strives to elevate the human spirit by using primitive and natural forms reminiscent of Mayan and Spanish cultures. Each of his sculptures has the texture of antiquity, and the rough finger work and the carefully chosen patinas convey a worn, earthy presence. Torres believes that ''art without spirituality is nothing.'' This statement demonstrates his reverence for life and serves as a tribute to the depth of his feelings regarding the mysteries of creation.

Torres describes himself as an old-fashioned sculptor as he uses centuries-old lost-wax casting methods to create bronzes that capture intimate gestures such as the sway of a woman's hips or a furtive glance. The power of his art is in its spontaneity, simplicity, and tranquility. Torres is an award-winning artist and currently resides in Northern California. His extensive training includes his former position as Metal Supervisor for full phase production including patinas, molds making, wax and metal finishing at the Artworks Foundry in Berkeley.

His sculptures have been exhibited at the Carmel Arts Association and several prominent fine art galleries. He is a member of the Carmel Art Association and received a Gold Medal in national competition for a life-size bronze bust in Guadalajara. AWARDS AND ACCOLADES Gold medal, Salon de Octubre, Guadalajara, Mexico, 1987 Museum of Latin American Artists, Long Beach, CA - Permanent Collection Vanderbilt University - The Divinity School - Permanent Collection