Search Stories
Francisco Gabuardy Montealegre
When working on his art, Francisco Gabuardy draws from a lexicon of personal symbols. Many symbols allude to family ties, but also to larger concepts such as freedom and survival. He considers himself a mixed media artist who can create something out of anything he can get my hands on. However, he likes to re-explore the plethora of information and techniques that he’s confident with. This is why his work carries a playful knowledge of color, material, composition and attention to detail, which is infused with symbolism and narrative.
*
Introduce yourself and describe your work and the media/genre you work in.
My name is Francisco Gabuardy. I consider myself a mixed media artist that can create something out of anything I can get my hands on. When working on my art I draw from a lexicon of personal symbols. Many symbols allude to family ties, but also to larger concepts such as freedom and survival. In my work I like to re-explore the plethora of information and techniques that I’m confident with. This is why my work carries a playful knowledge of color, material and composition. I pay attention to detail, which is often infused with symbolism and narrative.
What’s the most challenging thing about your creative process?
I have noticed that whenever I build a hand made frame for a piece or any sculptural component, my process slows down. This is because I’m confronted with the dilemma of finding a space to chop down materials such as raw wood. However, I always find a way to overcome this obstacle.
What do you feel is your role as an artist?
I believe that true creative artists are born to show their best skills and to move forward. This is why I’m always asking myself how I can push myself further and create new refreshing things? I want my pieces to exude beauty, mystery and meaning. I invest clear curiosity, time and energy, which beckons the viewer to do so as well.
How has your practice changed over time?
As long as I can remember I have always been lucky in the sense that I’ve always had a constant stream of creative ideas. This consistent flow of ideas eventually led me to a point in which I felt that I was missing out on capturing all of those thoughts. I started working on multiple sketchbooks during a year and it was a game changer. This has helped me to maintain a steady circulation and record of ideas. As a result of this practice I’m left with drawings that can be considered finished art pieces or blueprints for future exploration. This way of operating allows my natural creativity to function in a planned way or in an impromptu way. Ultimately, this enables me the time and realm to play with concepts with complete freedom which is a major motivator in my studio.
What books, movies and/or music have inspired you recently?
Currently I’m listening to music by Ricardo Arjona, K'pop and soundtracks from games like Stardew Valley. I just finished playing Luigi’s Mansion and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Right now I’m playing Outlast 2 and Far Cry Primal.
Throwback watch party?
Do your San Francisco relatives think you live in the "wild west?" We say, just play along. Please feel free to share this photo with them from jocohistory.org and tell them this was the spot for the watch party you attended last Sunday.
Remember, jocohistory.org is the place to time travel through local history. Be sure to follow our hashtag on Twitter!
Carlsen Center Writing Contest
Share a response to the prompt, “How do your friends, family, and community use food to connect?” 1000 word limit, deadline: Feb. 26. Submit your entry »
Enjoy others' responses »
Your response might win you two free tickets to Seeds, a show presented this Spring at the Carlsen Center at Johnson County Community College. Seeds is a dramatic reenactment of the seven-year battle between a Saskatchewan farmer and biotech corporation Monsanto Inc. This documentary play leads us through a suspenseful labyrinth of legal conflicts around patent rights, scientific debates about genetically modified food, and property clashes between farmers and the biotech industry.
Leawood Pioneer Library Display
Fifth graders from Leawood Elementary School and Brookwood Elementary School submitted Arbor Day-inspired drawings until 6 finalists were chosen. The winning entry was sent on to Topeka to compete against other Kansas schools until a final winner will be chosen. A historic lithograph titled "Tree Planting Group," dated 1937, is showcased in our Leawood Pioneer display case. It is signed by the artist, Grant Wood.
There will be a ceremony held on March 2nd at Leawood City Hall for all 6 finalists. This exhibit will be available for viewing here at Leawood through the second week in March.
If any young patrons are interested in displaying their collections in our brand new display case, they are encouraged to ask Leawood Youth Services staff for a Youth Display Case Application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and patrons across Johnson County are welcome to apply!
Friday Featured Artist: Heads or Heads
Heads or Heads is the musical brainchild of 22 year-old Alex Harbolt, who describes his project as "simultaneously avant-garde and easy-listening." Harbolt is also an actor, filmmaker and writer, seeing the intersection of these practices as something "to be ingested as nothing more than a part of the story that is being told; I don't want anything to feel out of place or not within the vision." His new album, Low Angles, due in April, was inspired by his first-ever trip to Los Angeles.
In case you missed it
It's an encore presentation of our Branch Manager episode! If you've never listened to our podcast, this is a good one to sample. You'll hear about what makes our locations unique and how we tailor our services to you. Give Did you hear? a try and please consider subscribing.
A new episode debuts next week. And, it's a great topic: Everything eLibrary!