Help Wanted

by Anthony Rodriguez

“My art is inspired by the quotidian aspects of life, which reflect the cultural and social forces that surround me. My work is also heavily influenced by the cartoons and video games I grew up with, creating a sense of nostalgia that shows up in both the style and tone of what I make. I like the idea that even serious topics can be expressed through humor and lightheartedness—this is how I approach both my art and difficult moments in life. I’m drawn to clay as a medium because it teaches you how to let go. Things don’t always go exactly as planned, and unexpected changes are what make the process of working with clay so dynamic. Instead of fighting this innate unpredictability, I adapt my approach or rework my ideas in ways that better support the piece. I don’t usually sketch out my pieces beforehand. I prefer to dive straight in with a rough 3D image in mind and an openness to seeing how it evolves. Since clay has a life of its own, I stay open to letting the work unfold naturally, allowing it to become what it wants to be. The clay guides, and I follow.”