About The Artist
Before he became an artist, Byron joined the Army because he's a first generation Mexican/Guatemalan American. He recognized he had vast opportunities his cousins would not, simply by the nature of being born. He also grew up knowing many fathers and mothers being deployed and killed overseas.
The Artist was recruited into Special Forces into a new type of unit designed to be dropped behind enemy lines and establish bases of operation that would not be resupplied. The elevated brotherhood, standards, ethics, and training of this unit would go on to shape much of the Artists views on Life, Art, Religion, and Philosophy.
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While in the Army, the artist executed daring sea rescues, saved dozens of lives, detonated buildings, stormed beaches, and dropped boats (and himself) out of airplanes and helicopters. Many camera's where sacrificed in the process, as well as a few of the artist's bones and some of his brain.
The Artist started his artistic journey while in Army Special Forces taking photos as a hobby. His expressiveness as an artist grew when he began experimenting with creating Latino art by meshing urban photography with Latin color styles into a form he calls "Neo-Urban Photography." However, he found a special affinity for merging the idea of stone with the sea. While he still is a photographer, instead of the rifle, it is now the hammer and chisel he wields.
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Ultimately, it might have been the second knee surgery, the third drowning at sea, the mass graves, or the fumes from the storage shed he lived in while on meager Army pay (it’s because he found out Artists made more money, Army pay is the ultimate joke). The Artist decided it was time to set sail from the Army and carve his experiences in stone.
Artists Statement
Stone sails are about the bones in the ocean. The lost friends. About remembering to turn towards the dawn even though there is only darkness.
They’re about heading into the unknown, even if you are alone.
It's about the mentality of being calm no matter what. Never giving up.
The sails represent the smells and spray of the sea and the tragedy, tumult, shame of war and life. The healing and hope of living.
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Often, the stone will break or chip in an unexpected way. It will require pre-emptive care, or later repair. Ultimately, you must deal with failure.
It is unforgiving like the sky. It is uncaring like the sea. It is a great equalizer.
It dosen't care who you are. It is or will be broken and in someway must be repaired, worked around, or incorporated.
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When you fail with the stone, you must deal with it, you must make good of it, or give up.
Failure, when faced, can be made into something better then failure alone.
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Stone sails are the Art of Failure.
About Stone Sails
Stone Sails - Carving Stone Sails Using Found Materials
Stone Sails is a stone sculpture studio that specializes in carving unique stone sails out of natural and found materials. Often, these materials are found miles into the mountains and carried back into civilization.
The stone selection includes alabaster, marble, limestone, honeycomb calcite, and soapstone. The artist also incorporate found materials such as slag, glass, and foundry brick that gives the sculptures a unique character and story.
The passion for stone carving started with the desire to create something that has never been seen before. As an expert stone sculptor, artist, and designer, the artist works to create sculptures that are not only beautiful but also tell a story.
The artist takes pride in the craft and quality and strives to create sculptures that are truly one-of-a-kind.
