Andrés Dominguez Fernandez is a first-generation Mexican American who is from Elgin, Illinois. He comes from a line of unrecognized artists, so you could think of him as the representation of hidden talents and dreams. Andrés is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Art program and art education at Illinois State University.
Andrés Dominguez Fernandez is a first-generation Mexican American who is from Elgin, Illinois. He comes from a line of unrecognized artists, so you could think of him as the representation of hidden talents and dreams. Andrés is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Art program and art education at Illinois State University.
His interest in ceramics started in high school as he would make paperweight pots for his family members. Later in his career, he would make ceramic work that shares nuanced perspectives in relation to his Mexican-American identity. Andrés thinks of his work through the philosophy of “viva la verdad” (long live the truth) as he wants to share the truth in the internal struggles that affect his community systemically, culturally, and historically. Or, as he likes to say, “I'm making something real dope, and it might make my ancestors smile.”
As an educator, Andrés considers his character to be similar to the four themes portrayed in The Wizard of Oz. He has the brain to creatively express himself and be open to learning new information. He has the courage to challenge himself to be better, and he hopes to challenge my future students. He tends to have a sense of direction to where he plans to be, but he also likes to be a guide for others. And most importantly, he has a heart for art and for the wonderful future artists that step outside his classroom
Andrés' work has been shared with vendors in Chicago and Normal, juried exhibitions in Elgin and Normal, and he commissions logos to a non-profit called Youth Leadership Academy and a start-up app called Gloveboxx. He has recently been awarded a scholarship, an award at Univerity Gallery, and a runner-up honorable mention at the 10-year anniversary exhibition at Side Street Studio Art Gallery.
Andrés is soon to be in a collaborative exhibition with Alex Martin, exhibitions in Side Street Studio Art Gallery such as ¿Estamos…? and Off The Wall 3, and soon to be in vendors in Chicago with RIP repurpose jewelry.