Behind every work of art there is a story.
by Martha Alvarez
photo by Manny Perez
Art is a subject that is greatly encouraged at TJ, as evidenced by the many art contests and new styles of art on display throughout the school. Much of this work belongs to Alejandro Sanchez, a TJ student with a unique talent for sketching.
After talking to Sanchez it was a surprise to find out that he does not consider himself an artist, but rather a “practicer”. He began drawing at 11, inspired by his big brother who would spend his time doodling cartoons and little creatures. “After that I just started drawing,” he said. But still, Sanchez’s artwork is the result of hours and hours of practice, not simply the natural talent that many people claim to have. He spends anywhere from a couple of hours to weeks on each individual picture. “It took me about two weeks just to do one drawing, I was working on it everyday and, well, that drawing is quite good.”
Sanchez’ works are inspirations of the Chicano and Latino cultures. He tries to display the world in which he lives and the world around him. Sanchez claims that he doesn’t have much of an imagination; therefore, he gets some of his ideas from music and other artists with a similar style, but mainly from the Lowrider Art Magazine, a monthly publication on the lifestyle of Latinos. He is a fan of the Aztec Culture, the lowrider cars, cholos, beautiful Latinas, and the crazy life led by all of them. The Lowrider Art Magazine portrays the Aztec culture perfectly, making it a major form of inspiration for artists like Sanchez.
The Lowrider Art Magazine might also bring some popularity to Sanchez’s artwork, because in past issues he has had some illustrations printed in the magazine. He hasn’t won any of the monthly contests, but he’s still sending in small pieces of art, hoping for one of their well recognized prizes. With the work like the ones that have been displayed throughout the school these past few years, it is doubtful that it will be much longer before he receives recognition in the magazine, or even a first prize. “My favorite display picture is one of Capone (a Mexican rap artist), which like other pictures was drawn in ebony pencil and took over two weeks to complete.” This picture was displayed during the last couple of weeks in the main hallway at TJ. Much of this work has been sold or given away to some of Sanchez’s friends, who consider themselves lucky to own one of the works he considers prized and time consuming.
Among many surprising things, Sanchez doesn’t plan to pursue a career in art. Quite the opposite, he plans to join the Army, and then study to be a mechanic. Art will then become something he does during his free time. Either way, Alejandro Sanchez will be an amazing mechanic because he has proven that if he practices enough, he can do anything.
