“The ideas behind my paintings are inspired from a sense of wonder toward the world." We are derived from it, bound by it, and for all intensive purposes, inseparable from it. How could we not be obsessed with it, haunted by it, achieve salvation through it? Whether it is paintings or books, movies or sculpture, the art I love is the art that promotes an entire world in which its beauty can be appreciated in context. By creating an entire world within a piece of art, the artist can provide a new perspective in which the viewer can re-imagine the different meanings of things. In effect, pull back the blinders and dare to realize another existence. These places are not escapist or indulgent they are sanctuary for our most personal identities.

Within my own work I try to discover and realize these places. Places large enough to roam free and explore the many possibilities inside and around them. I believe that these imagined places are fountains to our hearts and minds. They re-hydrate our capacity to do, to arrange, to change. To change ones mind, ones status, ones future. This mantra is paramount to me, and I believe the very process of it justifies our mistakes and our trial and is the very fruit of our existence.

Born and raised in San Antonio, TX this up and coming young artist prides himself on understanding the framework of wide open spaces. Evident in his work is an agreement between abstract and fantasy, a youthful marriage between real and make-believe that encourages exploration. At 15, Rios studied under internationally renowned artist Jaqui Von Honts and participated in several city sponsored mural programs. Later Rios continued developing his unique style under the instruction of Robert Sorrel and received a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Santa Fe in Santa Fe, NM. After six more years in the New Mexico desert, Rios made his way to California where he continues to add life experience to the training he has received. Currently Rios shows his work in Santa Ana, Long Beach, and San Pedro, CA as well as in Santa Fe, NM and Houston, TX. With 17 years of painting under his belt and unwavering determination to continue for the rest of his life, Rios can’t help but be excited about the future.

“Standing between our sensibilities and ” truth” is perception. Acknowledging this personal relationship allows us to stop posturing for imaginary obstacles and accept a clearer view to the nature of our situation. Within my own work I try to create places big enough (for the viewer and myself) to make these types of realizations and explore the many possibilities they imply.”