As Castlegar's Sculpturewalk continues to grow, so does its international reputation. This years sculptures include those from artists from the United States, Australia, Iran and Cuba.
One of those international artists, Yeins Gomez Sousa from Mantanzas, Cuba personally escorted his sculpture to Castlegar. This was the first time that Sousa has left Cuba. Even though English is not his primary language, Sousa did an excellent job expressing his passion and enthusiasm for his art and the Sculpture Walk program.
“This is a good place, a great town, Castlegar. This exhibition, this exchange of artists, I think is a very good idea. The sculptures that are in the city and the people, this show, I like it all, I like everything here.”
Sousa started seriously developing his art at the age of 15. He currently is a Professor of Sculpture at the Professional Art School in Matanzas and is continuing his studies in Preservation and Conservation. He has had pieces in many exhibitions and won numerous awards in his home country.
Even though he draws, paints and does works in photography, performance arts and visual arts, sculpting is his favourite art form. “The experience of creating a three dimensional object, and afterward seeing it in those three dimensions is preferred.” Sousa stated.
Sousa's sculpture, The Walker, is a life-size stainless steel figure of a man and is located in front of Kootenay Market. He describes it as, “A walking man is just stopped in a suggesting moment where the next step could be a stumble, like challenges that we find in our way through the life experience.” He further described his inspiration for the piece, “The inspiration comes with the metaphor of walk, to go through life and how this one could be changed. One good step and we never know what will be the next - it is part of fate, and the decisions we take to change it.”
“I am very grateful for the efforts of (Sculpturewalk organizers)”, stated Sousa at the Castlegar airport before his departing flight. “I liked the experience. I have a new family in this place. I think the world can change through art.”