Worcester’s Victor Pacheco Creates Environmentally Conscious Art
Monday, April 08, 2013
Bore Remnants
From his original birth place of Fajardo, Puerto Rico he moved to Hartford, Connecticut where he studied at the Art School at the University of Hartford and then to Providence where he received an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He then taught for a short time at the University of Rochester in New York before settling and setting up an art studio in the Woo.
In the same vane, he has taken a journey as it pertains to his art itself, traveling from medium to medium. He began as a painter but has moved on to predominantly sculpture as his chosen medium, within which he has recently found his very own little niche.
"Most recent work is inspired by social and environmental issues," says the artist.
"Details of how industrial processes work and how they affect our environment are important to me. The consequences of progress is the starting point for me to do research. I like to use research to inform my process and look for statistical, archival data on particular topics. The idea is to translate the facts to a three dimensional form."
Additionally, each individual piece presents a journey in itself. He often brings cameras on his travels and even interviews people about certain issues concerning the environment, giving a personal touch to each piece of art. In fact, anything in his life can inform this process.
"The thrill of the process is brainstorming how words or audio become 3 dimensional objects. Sometimes the research leads me to another topic I did not foresee. My work is the result of making facts unclear and questionable by juxtaposing snippets of information of the same topic. Not all things are clear; dual meanings, confusion and transparency all exist together. In the end the viewer decides if they want to see what I intended or if they want to imagine something else," he states.
Pacheco also uses environmentally-friendly methods to complete his work, using recycled materials whenever he can. As activism in art often is, and art and activism both are generally, his work is often experimental. There is a certain risk to it all, but with risk comes excitement.
"I particularly use materials that have been used before and try to keep purchasing materials to a minimum. This means that I use what is available or search for free materials online or in someone’s garbage. I also tend to reuse materials from previous projects that were not used," Pacheco states.
"It is often interesting to try and make things by transforming the materials you get into something that looks different. Material manipulation is exciting to me, although sometimes things just don't work out and I have to start over."
Victor will be participating in the upcoming ArtsWorcester Biennial.
"Look for the big bird in the room," he remarks.
In addition to working for himself in his own private studio, he is also still a teacher, currently educating at Trinity College in Connecticut. He views his teaching profession as an essential aspect of his art career.
"Part of my experience as an artist is also being an educator. Keeping a studio practice and teaching at the university or college level is rewarding to me. It allows me the freedom to teach what I practice and learn in the process. Many other jobs don't give this type of satisfaction and flexibility. I plan to keep teaching and working in the studio as one informs the other."
His future is up in the air, but ultimately he hopes to get a small foundry going within the next two years and continue to network.
"Worcester has been very welcoming and kind, I'm looking forward to meeting other artists and professionals."
To learn more about Victor Pacheco and to view his artwork please visit his website.
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