Rick Hernandez

Rick Hernandez

Bio

Rick Hernandez is a ceramist, painter, sculptor and musician. He received a BFA from the University of Texas at El Paso in Ceramics in 1976 with a minor in Sculpture.

After graduating from UTEP, Rick spent three years conducting artists residencies in schools throughout Texas and served at the Texas Commission on the Arts for 30 years. Today, he is the Director of Imagine Arts AmeriCorps program.

Whatever medium he chooses for a particular work, Common Journey, a theme that has been recurring in his work throughout his artistic life.

Rick writes, “The act of making has always been autobiographical for me. I’m not certain who was the first to tell me, “Paint what you know”. It could have been my elementary school art teacher, or one of the many professors and mentors I’ve encountered throughout my life. Maybe I just read it in a book. Nonetheless, whether in picture or word, I have always been compelled to make personal circumstance the focus of my imagery, object and song.”

Rick’s work and collaborations can be found in many publications including “Desert Modern and Beyond; El Paso Art from 1960-2012” and on his personal website at www.richernandez.com.