Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez _ Sculpture Workshop - Bronze Encounter
By: Jesús de Avila - The Editor - August 2006 - Leer en Español
For all those avid to “encounter” and to have contact with the locals, at the same time that diverse manifestations of arts are being discover and appreciated, and above all, to know how this art is created, it exists the option of visiting the sculpture workshop of the artist Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez, who several years ago opened the doors of his studio to visitors from around the world.
 Visiting this place is a cultural adventure that begins since your way out from the place you are until the workshop of the sculptor. To arrive there you will have to take a journey that will take you through the Pitillal village, which at the moment looks more like a Puerto Vallarta colony; however, it maintains the air of a commercial village with a noisy atmosphere. By the Ecuador Street after crossing through El Pitillal, an Elder’s asylum is found which indicates the beginning of El Coapinole. From there, continuing by Sierra del Mar Street, approximately four blocks east the sculptor workshop is located.
The place is a big piece of land protected by four long walls that lodges a space with casual atmosphere. Since its entry an atmosphere of concentrated work can be perceived in the different areas establish for the creation of the molds, the smelting, the welding, the sliding, the finished and more. The sculptor himself receives the visitors and guides them in a tour for each space of work. The explanation of each step in the sculptural process includes anecdotes and miracles that have been generated whether in the creation of some sculpture, or in the life of the sculptor and/or his  collaborators. The total attention and cordiality are the characteristics that who ever visit the workshop receive during their staying. In many cases the sculptor even invites his visitors to participate in some of his work tables. “Is about- says the sculptor- for the visitor to go into real contact with the sculptural essence. We never know in who will be born the taste or determination to become a great artist, so we must see them all and treat them as potentials that are avid of expressing what they feel”.
During the entire visit the range of sounds that invade the place contributes so that it is difficult to maintain the attention toward a single place, however, this at the same time makes the encounter with art and bronze more fun.
At the moment are approximately six persons that collaborate in the workshop full time, characterizing in all a real taste for what they are developing. In the tour through the work  tables and works in process, is possible to distinguish the complete attention and concentration of each artist that represents the great commitment of each one to fulfill their part of the process with love and excellence. Sometimes it will be possible to find the artist Octavio molding some piece, or perhaps giving instructions to melt without error, or maybe sliding some section of a great work, whereas other times he may be discovered sitting down in an old bucket simply observing his works; and of course, always willing to receive his visitors with great joy.
“The best of sculpture says the artist- is that a single person will never be able to create a work by itself, is always necessary for several persons to participate, and that is what allows me to receive and enjoy every day the greatest gift that my God grants me, and that is the opportunity to live together in harmony with my neighbors. As in life, in sculpture the name of the game is to give and that’s what we do here every day”.
Every one is invited to be part of the encounter with bronze in a space where giving is the spirit, and the priority.
 The sculptural workshop of Octavio Gonzalez Gutierrez is located in Sierra del Mar Street No. 1181, of Colonia Coapinole, and is a place hidden in Banderas Bay. Open to public from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m. It is recommendable to visit the place with comfortable clothes knowing that the possibility of being invited to get your self a little bit dirty exists. The workshop has a small area where they store and exhibit some of his works, we suggest you to take money in cash in case you decide to acquire some piece.
The most recommendable transportation to visit the place is taxi. Once there, if you want to make your cultural adventure more enriching, the sculptor will give you instructions to return in the public transportation that the locals use.
To learn more about Octavio González Gutiérrez and his work please visit the following website: http://www.octavioarteenbronce.com/
Until next time…
Jesús de Avila – The Editor
E-mail: editor@pvmirror.com
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