Artist Spotlight: Francisco Sheuat
 |
Name: Francisco Sheuat
City: Fort Lauderdale
Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela
Artistic Medium: Acrylic and mixed media
How did you get started?
I started at a very young age. I have been surrounded by the arts my entire life. My father, my grandfather were both artists and very talented. I learned from them and followed in their steps.
Who or what are your influences?
I'm a Pop artist therefore I'm a big fan of Andy Warhol, Roy Liechtenstein, James Rosenquist, Robert Rauschenberg, Keith Haring and Romero Britto. I'm also influenced by Cubist artists such as Pablo Picasso and admire Surrealist artists, Dalí and Miró.
What inspires your work?
Wow! Life inspires me. When I was much younger, in my teens, I saw so many older people who never seemed happy. I decided then that I had two choices for living my life. I could be happy or not. I want to live to be really old and I refuse to be miserable so I look for the happy side of any situation. My friends inspire me, nature inspires me, my pets inspire me. The simple fact that I have been lucky enough to live in this exotic tropical paradise with people from more countries and cultures than I can count is enough inspiration for a lifetime.
How does Miami/South Florida influence your work?
South Florida is so cosmopolitan. We have the tropical carefree lifestyle right in the big city. My friends are American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Peruvian, Colombian, Venezuelan, German, Italian, Brazilian, French, British, Spanish-and that's just my little circle. I am bombarded by all of these cultural differences. It not only influences my work, it influences my life. I'm inspired by life in the world around me; my art definitely reflects South Florida's cultural mix.
How would you describe your work?
My work is bold, simple, everyday imagery with vibrant colors. I do hear all of the time that my work is happy, which is gratifying that viewers can decipher and see my message. Attempting to share my commitment to a greener planet, recycling and reuse are an ongoing theme in my work. In my latest body of work, I manipulate and incorporate soda cans, reflecting my passions for mixed media and metal work. And in my own way, transform the disposable into something beautiful.
What has been the most unusual reaction to your work from the public?
I don't really recall any unusual reaction but I have to say since working with recycled soda cans, people ask to see my hands looking for cuts.
What would you like to achieve as an artist?
The most important thing is that I enjoy what I do-it is my passion and the life blood that runs through my veins. I'm always looking forward to seeing the next exhibition and working on the next project. The pressure keeps me going. Meanwhile, I enjoy the path that is taking me through my evolution. Therefore, I am fulfilled.
Upcoming shows:
United & Proud
Group exhibition presented by ArtsUnited
Through June 18
Gallery 6, at the Broward County Main Library, 100 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale
954-357-7444
Group exhibition presented by the Broward Art Guild
Through June 26
RH Home.
1426 NE 26th St., Fort Lauderdale
954-563-1243
Human Image & Portraits
June 30 through July 30
Art Expressions Gallery
1438 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors
954-537-9000
Where is your work available?
Art Expressions Gallery, 1438 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors. 954-537-9000
www.artexpressions.tk
 A View Beyond |
 Cheers Series |
 Hung Up on Coke |
 Hung Up on Coke 2 |
 Pop the Cat |
 Tree of Hope |
 Under Control |
If you are an artist and would like to be a part of Artist Spotlight, contact Mary Damiano atStarrWriter2000@aol.com
