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"Art you will Love - People you will never Forget"

Artist

Rafael Esteban Gonzales

More than 325,000 visitors to this site since 2002 and starting March 9,2006 new visitors to this page begin at

Broken Eyes Studio

508.5 Central Avenue SW Albuquerque NM 87104  USA

Business Phone:  505-440-1623  Personal Web www.BrokenEyesStudio.com 

Say hello to  Rafael@BrokenEyesStudio.com   

And be sure to tell him you  found him through Disabled Artists Network.

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Artist Bio

Rafael Esteban Gonzales

Was born on Oct. 18, 1949 in Albuquerque, NM. After graduating from Rio Grande High in 1967, he served 12 years in the US Army. Rafael was forced to change careers due to a progressive eye condition he sustained during his combat tour in Viet Nam.

In pursuit of a new career in the arts, Rafael earned his visual arts degree from the College of Santa Fe in 1990. Rafael transformed from a life casting artist, to a contemporary sculptor, carving wood and stone into memorable award winning pieces.

During the past 15 years as an artist, Rafael has overcome many obstacles and his work has developed in many stages. In the beginning he was more interested in the creative process, using art as a therapy. Rafael channeled the emotional effects of his combat experience in Viet Nam through to some of his creations. Many of his early pieces ended up in the trash, along with many of his fears and emotional disputes. The few pieces that survived this period are now in private collections.

Today, as an accomplished painter, known as the “Artist with the broken eyes”, Rafael spends much of his time painting at Broken Eyes Studio in downtown Albuquerque. NM

His time away from the studio is spent with his wife entertaining the grandchildren and traveling the country.

Artists Statement

For the past ten years, my career as an artist has become a serious business  When dealing with a client, It's very important I make them feel comfortable around me  Their understanding of my visual limitations changes their initial attitude of sympathy, giving them the confidence in my abilities as an artist and their confidence to buy my work.

Every painting is a challenge to complete.  The landscape images are painted with a direct speedy technique, using acrylic paint on medium size canvas for easy handling.  The small abstract paintings that are gaining in popularity are taking up most of my time.

I feel very fortunate to be a professional artist and I encourage other artists with disabilities to get involved.  My Doctor tells me I could loose  my site totally at any time.  I have decided not to dwell on this fact and continue to paint as long as I can.