ADOLFO GIRALA

I was born in Havana, Cuba in September, 1962. My childhood was filled with good times spent at the beach. Those days seemed so wonderful. The Caribbean Ocean is magnificent. The endless sunny days with cool breezes are my favorite memories. The colors of this Caribbean island were so vibrant and alive that they continue to inspire my work today. At the same time, the Cuban revolution had a progressively negative impact on my family and I. Not being part of the communist party, we were constantly harassed. My school years were full of fear and intimidation. Finally, in 1980, during the Mariel exodus, we were allowed to leave the island in fishing boats. I am a U. S. citizen now and I have lived in Los Angeles since my arrival in the United States.

Growing up as a child, I didn’t have the opportunity to come in contact with art due to the social and family problems I experienced. I have always felt that I had a lot of creative energy, but I never knew how to channel that energy. Becoming an artist has been a long, slow and challenging process. The first and most difficult challenge I faced, was to break away from the Cuban machismo mentality that kept me from pursuing my artistic passion.

After an inspiring spiritual vision in 1994, I was able to express myself artistically as I had never done before. It was not something I chose. Instead, it flowed from my great desire to express myself. The blank canvas was simply going to be the avenue for my expression.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

For me being an artist has been a blessing, a self-discovery and a challenge. Passion and the desire to create something beautiful and unique drive my soul. I get totally submerged in my work which is always an exploration, an adventure of that which has not been explored before.

To be an artist you must learn to let go of yourself and dive into the realm of your inner world. You must allow this inner world to guide you, to inspire you, to do the work for you. You become an instrument for the same creative power that created all that is. You must learn to trust and rely on your teacher within.

As an artist I feel the need and responsibility to take care of our Mother Earth, to forgive, to love, to always be learning, and to appreciate and respect the sanctity of every living thing.

My art work is a representation of beauty, tranquility, and mystery.

EXHIBITIONS & GALLERIES

2005-2018 | Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale, Arizona, Jan-March

2018 | Bronze Coast Gallery, Cannon Beach, Oregon

2011-2018 | Flower + Hewes, Santa Monica, California

2011-2018 | Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art, Laguna Beach, California

2007-2018 | Pennyweight, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California

2007-2009 | Art and Soul Gallery, San Francisco, California

2006-2007 | Metro Galleries, Bakersfield, California

2005-2015 | The Artists’ Studio Gallery at the Avenue of the Peninsula, Palos Verdes, California

2004-2010 | Kennedy Gallery, Grand Cayman, B.W.I.

2003-2007 | Rental and Sales Gallery, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, California

2003-2006 | Fredrick R. Weisman Museum of Art, Pepperdine University, Malibu, California

2002 | Art Resources Corporate Exhibition, Huntington Beach, California

2001 | Gallery Blu, Palm Desert, California

2001 | Angels Gate Cultural Center, San Pedro, California

2001 | Gallery Akelarre, San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella, Spain

ONGOING | Select fine art shows in Salt Lake City, Utah; Belleview, Washington; Scottsdale, Arizona; and throughout California. See my work at one of these shows.

TELEVISION & FILM

My artwork has appeared in the following shows: The Tracy Ulman HBO Special, remake of “Poseidon Adventure”, “Why Blitt”, “The Closer,” “Unchain my Heart,” “Dying Gaul,” “Sisters” pilot, Commercials for AT&T and SBC Communications and others.