"Whether he's working with frescos or ceramic sculptures, Luis Sanchez's artwork never fails to impart a deep emotional impression upon the viewer. His figurative renderings are soft and sensual, while his distressed surface textures convey a weary, aged feeling. Because the paintings have such a sculptural sensibility to their presentation, they really need to be seen in person to be appreciated.

          Luis will be exhibiting 15 new paintings at the Glass Garage Gallery during the month of January. The show runs from January 10th - February 14th, with an artist's reception scheduled for Saturday night, Jan 10th, from 6 - 10pm. For more information, check the Glass Garage website. -DCW"

DW: When did you make your first painting?

LS: In 1985 my dad gave me a blank canvas and Madonna's "Like a Virgin" album. I decided to copy the image and paint it. I had no clue how to use, mix and work with paint. Not just that, but the image was in a black and white sepia colored photo, so It was a limited palette of 3 colors. It took me nearly 2 months to complete and finally I discovered ( with dad's help) how to control the media. My father is an amazing painter/ muralist who taught me alot of what I know. So, I began copying everything. This gave me a great deal of practice in perspective, color and technique.

DW: In 1993, you underwent a kidney transplant that saved your life. How has that experience affected your artwork?

LS: Before my transplant I painted very little. I mainly sculpted since I was 3yrs old. I knew since then I wanted to become a painter, but I had little direction, drive or inspiration. It was a very different time for me. I was a very different person. My transplant was the key to who I am today as a person and artist. This experience gave me a great thirst for life. I was also finally healthy and ready to go. This is when I dedicated myself to art. I began to paint 12-16 hours a day for months. I couldn't stop. I was purging my life as I knew it. I was hungry for what laid ahead. I was fearless and ready to dive and fly. I became much more aware, my eyes open for the first time. I saw me and the world around me different and I knew
I had a great talent and I had a message to share with the world. I was truly reborn.

DW: In Seattle, you spent five years running your own independent fresco business, LS Design. Tell us how that started, and why you eventually decided to sell it off.

LS: L.S. Design started in January 1997 as someone else's idea for me to create small, inexpensive one of a kind art pieces. After sparking the idea in my head I found the right combination of products and media and experimented for a month before finally achieving what I was looking for. I found an old Botanical book and this was where everything came together. The new Botanical fresco line was born. I had an overwhelming response and sales with this new product selling them through a few local stores. Before long I was represented by West and East coast reps and dove into a small business. Little did I know that I was sitting on a goldmine and the next five years would be the ride of my life. In 1998 I hired an administrative and an art assistant to help me with overwhelming orders. I was traveling the country meeting amazing people and distributing my product to over 100 stores around the US and Canada. In 1999 my work appeared in the series "Sex in the city" motion pictures and several ad campaigns. I had 5 employees and a larger than small business that was taking me away from exhibiting my paintings and taking the route I started on. I was feeling to much like a commercial artist. This thought did not settle well with me and I decided to begin the process of selling the line and leaving Seattle. In February 2002 I sold the business ( now known as Savage Designs) and moved to Los Angeles with my partner Mark.

DW: You are currently notorious for your use of Fresco on Canvas. How did this technique develop in your work? What was the inspiration?

LS: The technique and inspiration came from the fresco line. I developed it more and more and eventually it moved to my larger works. After working with the same media everyday for five years, one becomes a master at working that media. Now I have a world of possibilities and textures to apply to my large works. I am extremely comfortable with working with this fragile media.

DW: What artists do you look to for inspiration?

LS: When I began painting Salvador Dali was it for me. Now I have several inspirational artists. Odd Nerdrum, Rafael Cauduro, Miguel Carillo. I am extremely drawn to European and Latin American artists. I find it more honest, powerful, raw, provocative. You can see deep cultural, religious and historical connection.

DW: How do you feel about the LA art scene compared to Seattle?

LS: After being in LA and its art scene, Seattle is nothing. Seattle seems so far behind me. I never felt there was much of an art scene there. This is why I desperately needed to move away. At least for me, my way of life and my work, Seattle was too comfortable, too easy, too normal.

DW: In addition to your paintings, you are also a very accomplished sculptor. Are the two processes similar?

LS: There is nothing similar about the two. Worlds apart. It requires a different state of mind, different vision, different tools. My studio even goes through a great transformation as I do.

DW: Do you have any plans for an upcoming sculpture show?

LS: I have been having ideas, but it may be a year or so before I execute anything. Right now my energy and focus are into painting , becoming established and developing relationships with new galleries. It will be a bit before I go opening up a new door.

DW: What do you do for fun when you're not in the studio?

LS: I love hiking, biking, camping and dancing. As much as I love hard urban life I balance it with nature. My partner and I love rollercoasters and watching movies. I love hanging out with energetic, creative people that soak up life and are leaders.

DW: How has your recent relationship with the Glass Garage Gallery affected your work?

LS: Glass Garage has been amazing. I have never been challenged as much as I have this year. Evan has made me grow and develop my technique further. He has given me projects I might not have tapped into. His vision and professionalism is admirable. I truly welcome his criticism. He is very good at what he does and has taken me under his wing to become a great painter.

DW: Do you prefer painting in the daytime or at night?

LS: My inspiration and flow come at night. I am definitely a nocturnal being. My palette required artificial light. I am definitely more present and alert when the world sleeps around me.

DW: What is your preferred beverage of choice while you're painting?

LS: Coffee, coke, caffeine of any kind

DW: Complete the following sentence: Luis Sanchez is . . .
1. a sexual deviant
2. a pervert
3. healthy and normal
4. a prude

LS: Luis Sanchez is a sexual deviant. I am extremely passionate and love like I live. Hard and good!! I am crazy and far from normal.

DW: Tell us something interesting about yourself that we wouldn't know.

LS: Since I was a child, I've known I was here for a reason. My transplant had a reason. I am a teacher and I feel I have alot to share and express. I love working with teens and youth in art programs to develop their own individuality and inspiration within. I feel most inspired and whole when I know I have reached out to someone and maybe made a difference.

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