Luis Guerrero

Luis “Chispas” Guerrero was born and raised on the Eastside of San Antonio and went to Fox Tech High School. He is a metal artist whose sculptures represent special aspects of the Mexican-American community. His extraordinary blend of metal and insight on the Mexican-American culture have forged a boy of work that speaks volumes.

While diesel parts and music have influenced my work, the sparks of flying fire have made it possible. Mesmerized by molten metal and the electric arc of my grandfather’s stick welder, I inherited the green-titled goggles of the welder’s world. In this world, all is malleable.

Luis has been commissioned by the University of Texas at San Antonio to erect several large scale sculptures on the campus grounds. He is also in the collection of Arizona State University Hispanic Research Center. He is featured in the 3rd edition of the Contemporary Chicano and Chicano Art, Triumph of Our Community.

MORE ABOUT THIS ARTIST

Artist Medium: Acrylic ; Limestone ; Steel ; alabaster

Artist Statement of Work

Tell us about your work (style, approach, philosophy, subject and/or theme):

San Antonio Eastside native Luis “Chispas” Guerrero got his nickname- Spanish for sparks- from the sparks that fly when he welds. Guerrero began as a traditional welder before being inspired to combine scrap materials into sculptures.

His sculptures are inspired by dreams, music ranging from conjunto to jazz, and Mexican-American culture. Guerrero aims to create art that makes people feel good, with sculptures that are joyful. He also reflects on hardships such as in a series of sculpted migrant farmworkers. Initially made to honor all of the migrant farm workers in his family, the series expanded to honor the labor of all migrant farmworkers. His dragonfly series represent life being crooked and not following the intended plans. These were made after his wife was diagnosed with Leukemia and helped him process the frustrations of that time.