Courtesy Estevan Arredondo’s playful technique of pouring paint on wood and pushing it around is shown in this piece, titled ‘Indigenous.’

ARTIST: Estevan Arredondo, 43

MEDIUM: Enamel, resin and powdered pigment on wood

BEST KNOWN FOR: Using simple, biomorphic shapes in his paintings. Arredondo applies most of the paint to his wood canvas by pouring the paint on the surface and pushing it around instead of sticking to the traditional paintbrush method. The result is globs of organic shapes that appear to be dancing or floating in midair. “I take on sort of a playful approach to the way I apply the paint,” Arredondo said. To him, the paintings express energy and simplicity and create interesting atmospheres with minimal information. “I don’t know where I’m going, but the end result is what the painting ended up being,” Arredondo said. “It’s fun. It’s not too complicated.” Arredondo wants his art to be a collaborative effort between the artist and the viewer. His ambiguous shapes and simple color palate allow the viewers to make Arredondo’s art represent whatever they wish. “I like the idea that people can come and look at the painting and have their own interpretation of what it is,” Arredondo said. Arredondo said he is influenced by abstract artists, such as Paul Klee and Jackson Pollock. Indigenous cultures, such as the Native Americans, aborigine and Aztec cultures, also play into Arredondo’s works. “It’s saying or documenting history, but it’s very abstract,” Arredondo said.

BACKGROUND: Arredondo received his associate degree in applied science at San Antonio College in 1987. He received his bachelor’s of science in communication arts at East Texas State University-Commerce in 1992. He received his master’s of fine arts in painting at the University of San Antonio in 2001.

PAYING THE BILLS: Arredondo teaches digital imaging as an adjunct professor at San Antonio College and Our Lady of the Lake University. “What I like about it is I get to exchange ideas with students,” Arredondo said. “I can influence future artists on how they can think different.”

CHECK HIM OUT: Arredondo’s paintings are up at the REM Gallery in the Blue Star Arts Complex until Aug. 30. After that, they move to the living space of the gallery for eight weeks. The gallery is open from noon to 6 p.m. Friday-Saturday and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the REM Gallery at (210) 224-1227.

Emily Messer | 210SA contributor