The Force is strong in Filipino artist Rodel Gonzalez, and it’s about time the world knows about his art.
He is no master of the lightsaber like Yoda or Obi-Wan, but as the only Filipino artist licensed to make Star Wars paintings, Gonzalez definitely wields his paintbrush like a true Jedi master.
Before he was commissioned to create Star Wars paintings in 2013, he was already creating interpretative art for Disney. His photorealistic Disney and Star Wars artworks gained popularity in the US and the Star Wars paintings were even featured at the San Diego Comic Con.
In light of the new Star Wars movie coming out this week, his painting of a Stormtrooper (of course) is the cover of the December issue of Austin-based Rock Star magazine.
Luckily, we can catch his Star Wars artworks on display at Bonifacio High Street! The exhibit runs through Dec 20 at the Bonifacio High Street Cinemas.
Let’s get to know the 56-year-old Los Angeles-based artist.
How did you become an artist authorized by Disney and Star Wars to paint for them?
In 2002, I move to Hawaii and started painting again. I worked with Roy Tabora, James Coleman, Rudolf Gonzales. When I moved to California in 2007, I worked directly with the James Coleman Studios. Since James is a Disney artist himself, he asked me if I was interested in acquiring a license to do interpretive art for Disney. I started doing that in 2008.
There were only a little over 30 artists in the world who are allowed to do that type of work. I am tickled and humbled at the same time. I don’t have a strong or rich history with Disney like the other guys, but I am their best-selling artist, as far as Collectors Editions (CE) is concerned. CE is the sole exclusive publisher for Disney when it comes to Disney art. No one can sell or do Disney art outside of CE.
And Star Wars?
ACME Archives LTD is the exclusive publisher for Star Wars, Dreamworks, and others. Because I was in the mainstream of things, they approached me to see if I was interested to paint for Star Wars. That was in 2013. It was only this year that I decided to say yes and focus on the Star Wars franchise. Again, I’m humbled, tickled and honored at the same time to do artwork for two major franchises.
Dude, you are also the co-founder of Side A!
Art was really my first love. I belong to a third generation of artists in my family. I literally grew up in the smell of paint. I picke up the brush at 9 and started to paint just like them.
But in high school, I started to love music. I learned how to play the guitar and saxophone. I dropped art and shifted all my energy to music. That’s how Side A and Second Wind was born.
But that’s a little known fact, no?
I became a Christian in 1990 and did some ministry work after I got married. I worked full time in the ministry and quit the other bands. Although I still love to pick up a guitar, jam with bands, sketch and do sideline commissions when it comes to art, I was focused on serving God and his people for 11 years. In 2002, we moved to Hawaii. I quit the ministry and went back to art.
There’s a lot of talk about your participation in the San Diego Comicon!
It only happened this year, and that’s also because of Disney and Star Wars. They have a big booth on those conventions so they would bring us out there to do demonstrations and do the rounds of meet-and-greet.
How’s your work process like?
I work with oil and acrylic most of the time. I love all mediums from colored pencil to watercolor, gouache, pastels. Some paintings, they will take just one sitting. Others can take months before I can finish them. An average size piece, about 18×24 will take me about 20-30 hours give or take.
What do you do when you have artist’s block?
When I stare at a blank canvas and nothing is happening, I try to just get up and do other things. Pick up my guitar and play, drive around for inspiration. Google images from everything under the sun, watch TV or cook. When an idea hits me, I’m back in front of the easel.
Does music help when you’re painting Star Wars or Disney?
I listen to every genre except disco and classical music. I’m beginning to enjoy new artists like Ed Sheeran, Jozier, and John Mayer just to name a few.
There are kids out there who’d like to become an authorized Star Wars artist, too. What can they do?
Yes, there are a lot of talented artists, young and old who’ve never had an opportunity or who’ve never been given the breaks that I got. I’ll never forget what my dad told me: “Son, don’t chase after the money. Let the money chase you.”
The goal is not to be authorized by any of these huge franchises, but to hone your craft and put your best works out there. Because once you’ve done that, they will notice you and they will be the ones who will approach you. That’s what happened to me.
To tell you the truth, Disney and Star Wars were not even in my radar. I was happy to be in Hawaii on a couple of galleries that represent my work.
And finally, we’re just too happy to know that your work will finally be shown in Manila! How did this come about?
Director Bert de Leon is one of my best friends in the Philippines. We worked together when I was in the music business and we kept in touch even after I moved to Haiwaii and the mainland. When he’d visit the US, he would make sure we’d meet, play a round of golf or just enjoy a beer or coffee together.
After seeing my success here, he was compelled to bring it back home and show, [here is] one Filipino making it in Disney and in Star Wars.
In his own words, “Pare, people back home should know what you’re doing here and the success you have.” So he planned everything made it possible for my works to be featured at BGC in time for the opening of the movie. It was Bert who chose the venue and organized the event.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to make it to the opening. I will also be doing promotional exhibits in the US in time for the opening of the new movie.
Rodel Gonzales’ exhibit runs from Dec 16-20, 2015. 2/F Bonifacio High Street Cinemas, Bonifacio High Street Central, Taguig. 11am-11pm
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