Eloy Perez

Eloy was born at home on December 12, 1949 in Santa Cruz, Xoxocotlan, Oaxaca, Mexico. This is the community where he grew up and still resides today. Eloy is the father of two grown sons, whom he loves dearly. He began his formal training as an artist in 1974 and has had numerous shows throughout Mexico. 2008 represents Eloy’s first show within the United States.

Eloy is a kind, gentle and unassuming man who loves people and is committed to the goodness of his community. Witnessing his interactions with others, it becomes apparent that Eloy is both attentive and interested, comfortable expressing his views with laughter. Children have become an important focus for Eloy, and it is no surprise they are drawn to him. He has observed what opportunity awaits the youth of his community and believes that with the skill of painting and the ability to teach, their futures take on greater promise. Eloy offers free instruction to those children who express interest, and has several long term students whose art he is proud to display alongside his own.

Inspiration is drawn from the experiences of Eloy’s life. He sees within each of us the ever-present struggle between two spirits at odds with each other. We are always being pulled in opposite directions. Yet we have within us the ability to choose. This duality expresses itself in the symbolism Eloy uses i.e. the snakes/forces that pull against each other. You can also find recurring themes in Eloy’s work. Death he views as something we should not fear but be open to, even embrace. And themes of the masculine and feminine, young and old, good and evil, often reemerge. Eloy wrestles with the nature of balance; there will always be obstacles, one must seek balance.

Though Eloy does not title his work, “sin titulo” (no title), some pieces display “names” which Eloy says are simply the idea that has inspired the piece.

Eloy maintained a strict adherence to his formal/technical training but with time has loosened his approach to allow for more freedom and flow. This unencumbered movement can be seen in his work today. Eloy continues to work in several mediums and to explore new ways to enhance the texture within his work.

Today finds Eloy working in his home studio, on his own pieces or teaching the community children. He also has taken on the challenge of singing in public, which has brought him great joy. He continues to address issues of alcohol abuse in Mexican culture, with the intention to decrease alcohol related violence. He does so by helping children see the connection between the two. Eloy also walks several hours each day to counter the stillness of painting.

A percent of profit from every painting goes to a community project within Mexico, of the artist’s choosing. Eloy has directed these funds towards the development of a community gallery/studio with the goal of training children as painters.