Monday August 8 through Thursday August 11, 5PM-8PM

$140 Art Gym Members, $160 Non-members

This introductory workshop is a guided step by step process that will engage participants whether beginning or advanced. For three hours each day, Monday, August 8^th through Thursday, August 11^th, we will be creating a one-color reductive woodcut. This process will provide insight on priming the Basswood Plywood, transferring the drawing, outlining, carving and ultimately printing a small edition of 8 prints. The carving tools, ink, paper, and woodblock will be provided through registration fees.

Born April 27, 1978, in Denver Colorado to Mexican immigrants, Javier Flores is the eldest of 3 kids. Raised in a blue collar, middle to low class household in Brighton, Colorado helped to instill a strong work ethic, honesty, and integrity. At the age of nineteen Javier was shot in the lower back and subsequently paralyzed. Initially in shock and depression he became distant and suicidal for a time, only to be saved by family, friends, the visual arts and martial arts.

Flores received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2008, and his Master of Fine Arts from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi in 2017. Since graduating, he worked as an adjunct affiliate until recently acquiring a full-time position at Front Range Community College. He also continues to be affiliated with Access Gallery, and Museo De Las Americas, all while continuing to pursue his artistic career.

As an artist, Flores chooses to associate with the idea of Lenguaje Vulgar, or vulgar language, a reference to cussing in Spanish. The connection of imagery to language is a symbolic reference to the visual lexicon he continues to expand to explore the daily hindrance of his disability among other issues. The implication of swearing or cussing in accordance with his art, is a therapeutic tool which allows Flores to express frustration yet persevere. As a visual artist, Flores pursues a variety of mediums to best translate the biographical narrative approach to image and form making.  By re-contextualizing common symbols, the viewer is led to a larger dialogue in which they must access their own personal context in relation to the art. The reflective aspect of Javier’s work is an exploration into identity in the form of culture, ecology, masculinity (non-toxic), politics, temporality, loss and ultimately triumph.

Fee (includes materials): $140 Art Gym member / $160 non-member