NW show represents one-man's being
by Javier Garcia Jr., NW News Editor

   The past, present and future of one man is rarely displayed in art form. For the remainder of September, it will be.
   NW Campus presents the Ramon Barela-One Person Art Exhibit in the NW Lakeview Gallery. Barela's art is inspired by his experience growing up. In his early childhood, Barela said, he was already coming up with ideas and images of art.
   "As a child, my family didn't have much wealth," he said. "Without that luxury of having things, it was during that time I found a love for art by using my imagination to come up with different images. It was then when I had a feel for it."
   Barela believes the past, present and future are likened to waves of possibilities waiting to happen simultaneously for the benefit of one's consciousness. His family's generation, religion and heritage influence his art. Barela said his family is very influential to him.
   "My work relates to my life progress, what I have experienced and my family's history," he said.
   "I use symbols from different times and transfer them into my art. Symbols are representations of a time. Many artists borrow them from their backgrounds, generations of families," he said.
   Aguilar said the art exhibit can help students who are interested in the art field, or those who just like to view art.
   "It's a great opportunity for students to get a feel for one's artistic work," he said.
   Barela's motivation for his work is his intuition. He feels his work is driving him on the right path. "I feel like I'm the vehicle of my work," he said.
   The exhibit is open during regular campus hours, through Sept. 27 in WFAB (A wing). For more information, call 817-515-7207.
   Barela was invited to showcase his work by the NW visual arts department. Eduardo Aguilar, associate professor of visual arts, said TCC provides an opportunity for an artist to display his or her talents.
   "Our goal at TCC is to make a special effort to get multicultural exposure for everyone to see," he said.
   "My job is to feature one's talent in the gallery and with Hispanic Heritage Month, Ramon can display his Hispanic influence with the art," he said.
   Barela, an art teacher in Victoria, is currently working on his master's at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.