Q What do you do at Imago Dei?
A I’m an artisan, so I paint murals, trompe l’oeil, develop new finishes, prepare samples for clients, etc.
Q How long have you worked with Imago Dei?
A Since August 2008.
Q Where are you from originally?
A I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but moved to the US when I was ten.
Q What is your artistic background, education?
A I got my BFA in Visual Arts from the Miami International University of Art & Design. Then an MFA in painting from the University of Hartford in Connecticut.
Q How would you describe your work?
A I explore my identity as a Venezuelan living in the US. It’s a way to learn about my culture and to deal with the social and economic issues that are taking place today. I usually go back once a year and that always influences me, gives me fresh material, seeing the contrast of wealth and poverty between my two worlds. I often start with a sketch in Photoshop to work out the composition. A lot of my paintings involve collages, and sometimes the pieces involve the digital printouts torn out and directly applied to the painting for intentional effect. I also use acrylic and oil paints, wax and other emblellishments. 
Q Have you been able to show your work much?
A I’ve had my work in about twenty shows all over the US.
Q Are you currently showing anywhere?
A Yes, at the Libertine Gallery in Austin, TX. I have some mixed media pieces there now. They’ve asked me to do an installation, so that will be going up in mid-March.
Q What was the most challenging piece you ever did?
A Personally? My master’s thesis show was a challenge. It consisted of a series of ten pieces dealing, again, with my personal cultural and social conflicts experienced as a Venezuelan. They were approximately 48” x 72” in mixed media with wax and oils. With Imago Dei, the most challenging piece I worked on was the 18’ diameter foyer dome of the Varela residence. We painted a sky full of angels and lots of architectural elements on a scaffold over 40 feet high. It was done in acrylics with 1/4” wide brushes.
Q Who/what are your inspirations?
A My grandmother was my personal artistic inspiration. She was an artist and I always felt drawn to art through her. I wanted to please her. The other artists who inspired are Rauchenberg, Leon Golub and Elizabeth Peyton.
Q Who would play you in a movie?
A Brad Pitt (LOL).
Q What’s in your CD player right now?
A Lots of blues. Delta blues. I’m taking harmonica lessons now. Love it.
You can get more info about Luis’s work at sales@imagodeigallery.com. Luis lives in Austin with his wife Kristin, a dog, cat and two parakeets.
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