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RICKGARCIA (Cuban-American, 1953- )
Rick Garcia is a native to Miami, Florida, born to Cuban parents where he was always encouraged to follow his dream of pursuing and developing his talent in art. Later in years he found a deep rooted connection to surrealism, specifically with the work of Dali. Garcia had become obsessed with the unique images and amazing technique of the spanish painter, he eventually traveled to Port Lligat, Spain to visit the home and surroundings of his mentor. After years of attending the Art Institute of Miami, where he refined his artistic vision in drawing and painting, he was soon earning an income from published illustrations. Garcia has enjoyed a rich and diverse career starting with the hit TV show "Miami Vice" commissioning him to create a mural on the side of a three story building, and used his paintings for interior shots. Apart from a growing number of private commissions, his distinctive images were commissioned by The United Nations Postal Administration in 1998 and 2003. His stamps brought awareness to the growing extinction of the rainforest and its inhabitants, and followed with the 50th Anniversary of the World Health Organization, bringing awareness to the vanishing supply of freshwater, where it earned him the prestige of the most beautiful stamp series of 2003. Garcia was chosen as an "Absolut Artist of the 90s" in the popular vodka ad campaign and with his second piece Absolut Electric, this further drew worldwide attention. 1998, 1999, and 2001 garnered him the distinction of official artist to The Grammy Awards where his creations influenced the look of the live broadcast and graced the covers of the official program book, CDs, posters, apparel, and other various items. His work included portraits of stars such as Destiny's Child, Ricky Martin, Coldplay, Santana, Celia Cruz, Black Eyed Peas, Imogen Heap and Kanye West. His life long passion of thoroughbred racing tapped him in 2008 to be the official artist of the 2008 Kentucky Derby Festival. Rick's association with the famous Gibson Custom Shop brand spawned a collection of highly collectable one of kind painted guitars. Quickly these guitars sold soon after completion and Rick is currently trying to add more to the collection as time will allow. His most recent work on guitars was painting a 1954 Gibson Les Paul reissue for The Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and a 50th Anniversary issue of the Gibson SG for CANCER RESEARCH U.K. With a strong desire to get connected to his Cuban heritage, his recent work has turned towards capturing the unique blend of Cubas past and present by mixing images of Cubas nostalgic era with a pop contemporary look. For Rick, Cuba offers endless inspiration from the sounds, textures, cars, colors, architecture, and people... all drenched in the tropical Cuban sunlight. |
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