"View From The Pier" Art Exhibition

José Vera Fine Art & Antiques is pleased to announce View From The Pier. The exhibition, which runs from December 3, 2011 to January 3, 2012, features a diverse collection of paintings by artist, lawyer and author, Herman Sillas.

“The San Clemente Pier is my haven for reflection on weekend mornings. As I fish, ideas for paintings emerge from my mind and ultimately become expressed on canvas. This collection of paintings are my View from the Pier,” remarks Sillas of the collection of work that will be present in the exhibition.

Herman Sillas began his artistic career at 12 years of age when he attended class at a small neighborhood art studio in Southeast Los Angeles, and by 16 he was a scholarship student at the prestigious Otis Art Institute of Los Angeles.

Two years later he put his art career on hold to pursue law at UCLA. As a young lawyer in the turbulent sixties, he represented L.A. Chicano activists. During this period he commenced painting again and his paintings expressed the anger and frustration of young Mexican Americans at that time. The influence of Mexico’s muralists is evident by his use of bold colors. His 1964 acclaimed painting, “Mexican American,“ depicted the identity crisis facing Mexican Americans. His efforts in the Chicano Movement led him to politics where he served as California’s Director of DMV under Governor Jerry Brown in 1975-77 and United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California under President Jimmy Carter from 1978-80. He returned to private practice as a partner for a state-wide law firm and continued painting as a weekend artist.

By 2004 he was painting with new vigor. His “Fiesta/USA” painting won Show’s Best at the San Clemente Art Association’s 2005 Spring Show. Twenty-five hundred posters were ordered for a fund raiser by LA’s Best, a LAUSD after-school program. Encouraged by the response to his art, Sillas increased his painting efforts. He has received commissions from numerous national organizations and collectors. Sillas’ paintings reflect his heritage and love for the Mexican culture as he explores his roots with an inquisitive mind and experienced eyes from a very diverse life. More information about his art may be obtained at www.hermansillas.com.

View From The Pier will be on view from December 3, 2011 to January 3, 2012. The opening reception is on Saturday, December 10 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, in affiliation with the NELA Art Walk that takes place on the second Saturday of each month. The event is free and open to the public and will feature the music of Los Cuatro from 7-9 pm.

Also on view in Jose Vera’s Gallery X-43, Works on Paper, Canvas and Glass, includes mixed media works by artist Joan Whitmore. The exhibit will also be on view from December 3,2011 to January 3, 2012, with an opening reception on December 10 from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm.