All photos courtesy of Manny Burruel
Who are you and what do you do?
I retired a year ago and I am now able to lead the life I always wanted, a life around the arts. I can now focus on my own art, and whenever possible do art projects with kids. Currently, I volunteer as the Gallery Director of the Olney Gallery at Trinity Cathedral.
How did you get your start?
I studied art at Glendale Community College with a dream of professionally showing my work in an art gallery. In 1995, I realized that dream and was juried into the Movimiento Artistico del Rio Salado (MARS) an art gallery co-operative located in Phoenix that was in operation from 1978 to 2001. It was there that I became friends with many notable local artists, like Frank Ybarra and Joe Ray who continue to influence my work.
What inspires you?
I love seeing what my artist friends are doing. I especially get inspired when I am in an art workshop with my colleagues, all of us creating unique work at the same time and seeing it develop. The synergy and laughter (and occasional glass of wine) usually results in some of my best work.
“The Robotoid Cannot Be Trusted”
What do you like about AZ?
The diversity of the landscape you can go from forest to desert within a two hour drive. The colors of the desert when I’m hiking. ASU football and the memories of the Wallace and Ladmo children’s TV show. I grew up here as did my parents. I unashamedly love Arizona even during our triple digit summers in Phoenix.
Where can we see you(r) work?
You can look me up on Facebook I have a photo album called “My Art” and if you look up when the next Monosilkscreen workshop is offered at the Mesa Arts Center you can drop in and watch us create some original prints under the guidance of Artist Jeremy Yocum. Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to be on my mailing list for future art shows.
What would you like to accomplish before you die?
There’s so much left to do and so much I have been fortunate to have already accomplished. So I’ll say, to have a solo art exhibit at some cool gallery or museum when I’m 100 years old with my wife, friends & loved ones in attendance.
“Dad’s Job”
What is your mantra?
For the last 20 years I’ve had the same personal mission statement:
I am strong and courageous.
I enjoy life and create art.
I love my happy home.
I see potential and contribute.
God is with me.
~
“Our Ninja”
“We’re going to the moon!”
“Playing for Keepsies”, monosilkscreen print
“Sunset Flight”
“Car Radio”, monosilkscreen print
