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Artículo disponible en español...
Velez Galleries
By: Gina Reyna
If you walk downtown you can find a special place at 220 N. Tejon St. This
place is full of color and history. Velez Galleries have works from more than 80
Indigenous Nations (tribes of the Americas), from the Amazon to the Artic.
Michael and Andrew Velez are the owners of this gallery. You can find fine
woodwork like boxes, furniture; and also beautiful paintings and work of
different countries and themes.
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For 17 years Michael and his brother have exhibited the world’s largest
variety of collection of indigenous art of many nations. No concepts of borders
here. From South Pole to North Pole, you can enjoy the beauty of the American
art. It is about the art of the Americas, not only North America. Black
clay, horse hair, word & silver etc, are some of the materials that the artists
use to create this awesome art.
1. What is the meaning of art for you?
Mind relaxing. I love to build with my hands, this gives me satisfaction. Made
with my hands a unique artwork is something that fulfill me.
2. When did you start painting?
In 1988, I discovered that I love woodwork. And in time I started painting.
3. What is the style of your art?
Traditional indigenous art. We have pre-Colombian, contemporary, historic. I
only use acrylic and water base, no oil; like the indigenous, they never use
anything that can affect the environment.
4. What is your source of your inspiration?
Meet the indigenous in their own environment is the 99.9 % of my inspiration.
Not all the people have this opportunity. These people are happy working with
their hands, sometimes in the middle of nowhere and with their families. I see
the smile on the faces of these people when they work, because they feel really
proud of their work.
5. What is the most important piece in your collection and why?
The women of the Wounann (“wow-nahn”) people of Panama make traditional baskets
of all natural materials. The fiber comes from leaves of rainforest palms and
the dyes are from rainforest plants and earth. Basket-making is a “cottage
industry” for these women, making it possible to contribute to their families
needs while remaining in the village. The Wounnan´s basketry is already
recognized as among some of the finest work in the world in this medium, and is
increasingly sought after by collectors worldwide.
6. What do you believe is the reason of your success?
The combination of natural products and the quality. Handmade is unique. I love
to see the smiles of the people when they can have this products in their homes.
7. What plans do you have for the future?
Continue with the tradition of using natural materials. I want the people to
learn about this work. My son is an artist too, because he enjoy all this. One
important thing is that the money of this work comes back to the people, and in
this way, they can continue doing the same art.
If you want to know more about this art, visit
www.velezgalleries.com
VELEZ LTD.
(719) 630-3710
220 North Tejon Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Click on the pictures to view a larger version
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