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Editor's note: KSL.com does a weekly feature on artists in the community. If you have a painter, sculptor, musician or creative genius in mind, feel free to email your submission to fjolley@ksl.com. Please include a contact email for the artist, if available.SALT LAKE CITY ― Inspired by the world around him, Alejandro Pabon Sanclemente spends his free time turning his interpretations of the landscapes that dot the earth into high contrast, colorful images.
A full-time scientist and biotechnology mentor, Pabon Sanclemente was raised in Venezuela and came to Logan in 2003 to attend graduate school and earn a master’s degree in biochemistry at Utah State University. From there, he moved to Salt Lake City for work, where he later began drawing and painting. Science and art, for him, are parallels.
"Science is a form of art. Science shares with traditional art its ways and attributes," he said. "Even though the goal of science may be different, its process is similar to that of art. To produce art, one has to be inspired; one has to have a vision. In science, inspiration is essential to move forward. In science, a great degree of meticulosity and discipline are required to successfully complete experiments and analyze results. In science, plasticity is of utmost importance to attain goals.
"I approach art with the same degree of meticulosity and discipline to achieve the vision, and I am comfortable changing routes for the sake of the vision. When a scientific endeavor results in advancement, the scientist becomes motivated and fulfilled. When a piece of art spurs emotions, or catalyzes a change, the artist finds motivation and fulfillment. I have experienced in science and art similar feelings of accomplishment, and this is what motivates me to keep doing both."
[An incomplete path developing in an egg #maturingpath #pathnotrequiered #artforitsownsake #delineavitalejandro](https://www.instagram.com/p/BRoylH-l_Lo/) A post shared by Delineavit Alejandro (@delineavit.alejandro) on Mar 14, 2017 at 4:41pm PDT
His pride in his work, hobby and family are all clearly apparent ― he seems to value each facet individually.
“I am an outdoors lover, a biologist, and an educator in the field of biotechnology,” Pabon Sanclemente said. “I am a stepfather of two wonderful children and the partner of an extraordinary woman. I am the son of two hardworking, smart and caring parents, and the brother of a talented cook.”
Pabon Sanclemente’s process usually starts with a photo he took, particularly high contrast or dramatic images. He’ll sketch on paper or wood, then either digitize the sketch or move into acrylic, watercolor, oil pastel, or colored pencil to complete the piece. While he uses a variety of mediums to express himself, the images are consistent in their simplicity, with strong use of geographic lines and lively colors.
Photo courtesy of Alejandro Pabon Sanclemente
“I have spent a great deal of time learning how to mix colors in order to achieve the palettes I have employed on my chemical painting pieces,” Pabon Sanclemente said. “I have also tested different media to identify what feels better to work with. Digitization and computer software definitively help me work in a very clean, streamlined, wasteless, efficient way. More importantly, I try to work regularly. Practice is key. Also, I always bring my camera when I am headed to the outdoors. It is a great way to capture and remember inspiring moments.”
Self-taught in computer and graphic design and without formal instruction of drawing or painting techniques, his pieces are unpretentious. Rather, they’re playful and joyful.
“My pieces are the product of experimenting without fearing failure. I play with colors and shapes for their own sake,” he said.
Pabon Sanclemente is represented by Alpine Art. Email susan@alpineartinc.com to get more information on his pieces.
