Artist Detail

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Dave Maestas

UAC Teaching Artist - Visual Artist

About the artist:

What I enjoy most about art is being able to share it with the world. Painting allows me to express my deepest emotions in the comfort of my solitude. Although the process of creating art can be extremely rewarding; even more rewarding is the feeling I get when I move an audience. Born in Northern New Mexico to a single mother who cared for and raised six boys art was not only an escape but rather a necessity. It allowed me to channel whatever emotions I had good or bad in a constructive way. As an adult I continue to paint feelings and emotions rather than representations of nature. My work is direct and to the point and is not about creating illusion. I am more concerned with condensing the absolute. Teaching art is very rewarding for me I feel I learn as much as I teach. Art has a way of opening the mind and teaches our kids to creatively navigate problems. It also teaches discipline and patience in a non-threatening way. Art also fosters self-esteem and builds confidence in many children who have a difficult time expressing themselves.