Techniques and Media
Most of JoseV's art is created on canvas. Some, as in his original piece "Slow Death" pictured here , was created on copy paper with ink pens and "Sharpies". Other media JoseV uses includes acrylic, water and oil based paints, indian ink, heavy gel, foam, and caulk. Many pieces have also been enhanced with sand, sea shells, glitter, rhinestones and sequins.
Random pieces of art include colorful hearts with various electro-cardiographic rhythms, faces, his "Rhythmic Guitar" line and various abstract pieces.
JoseV has had no formal art training. He has always enjoyed drawing in his spare time and has a natural talent for combining color schemes and designs. It wasn't until he created this drawing in the summer of 2006 that he was encouraged to take his art seriously.
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Cardio Art's first show...
April 2006
"An Affair to Remember"
An Affair to Remember, featuring the work of Jose Vasquez - Cardio Art was truly an affair that will be remembered. Cardio Art débuted at the Galleria at Erieview in Cleveland, on April 25, 2008, and received high praise from its attendees. The show not only highlighted Jose’s exceptional work but offered entertainment by KB & Carmen who displayed tantalizing tango dancing, musical ambience by Paul J. Sykes, classical violinist and Board member of the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Richard W. McClendon, II, who performed magical mysteries that mesmerized the audience.
A couple days after the show, Jose and I spent a few minutes chatting, and this is what he had to say:
Art Talk: Your show was great, Jose. That atmosphere and décor were very elegant yet warm and inviting. One gentleman mentioned to me that he felt like he was at a New York show. One guest even stated, and I quote, “I didn’t know what to expect when I came tonight. The art was mind blowing, and the entertainment was the icing on the cake.” How does that make you feel?
Jose: I feel good, and I think there were a lot of positive comments. A lot of people told me that my art is out of the ordinary, something new; and a lot of people told me that my art is more for healthcare. That is a positive thing.
Art Talk: So are you only targeting the healthcare arena or ordinary art enthusiasts as well?
Jose: I’m trying to do both. I want to reach all markets. A lot of the younger crowd responded positively to the show also. They liked the guitars.
Art Talk: Let’s talk about Cardio Art. How did you come up with that name? Is there a message behind your art?
Jose: I always wanted to do art but didn’t have time until I was in an auto accident and hurt my back so I decided to concentrate more on my art because it was always in the back of mind. My style of art came from my experience watching one of my patient’s heart rhythms go from life to death. I chose the name Cardio Art because it is related to the heart and heart rhythms. Working at the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart Center was an inspiration as well because of its reputation of being No. 1 in the nation for cardiovascular care and its international reputation. People come from all over the world for heart surgeries. The Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame inspired my guitar series. And finally, Jack Hamilton, owner of Artist Review Today, was another of my inspirations because he encouraged me to continue my style of art.
Art Talk: What’s your next move?
Jose: My next move is to do more shows in Cleveland to let the people know about my art. My goal is to teach people about the importance of taking care of their heart as well as total body well being, and I think my art is a good opportunity to open the door for that conversation.
“An Affair to Remember” by JoseV – Cardio Art, an extraordinary art show, was sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic, Cream-N-Sugar Bakery, Café Sausalito, JaksPrints, Mark Q Photos, and the Galleria at Erieview and hosted by Artist Review Today. Stay tuned for upcoming details about Jose’s next show and the goings on in the world of art. Jose is also featured in the May/June Artist Review Today publication(www.artistreviewtoday.com).
