Artist’s Statement
The earliest memory that I have of creating art was at the age of 5, in the Philippines. My father would give me a sheet of typing paper, and I would fill it up with all the sea creatures that I could think of from all the books and magazines that he read me. At the age of 12, my family decided to move to Hawai’i. Hawai’i was beautiful. I spent most of my days there body surfing, surfing, spearfishing, and snorkeling. These experiences further enhanced my growing interest in creating fish-inspired art. After graduating from high school, I moved to the Bay Area and earned my bachelor’s degree in fine art sculpture from the Academy of Art University.
Before starting the construction of a steelfish, I do research. I examine the real fish from fish markets or aquariums. I view images of the fish from magazines, books, and videos. I study the specific forms and features that distinguish it from other fish. When I am done with the research, I create sketches and figure out the proportions of the fish so that the sculpture’s forms will be balanced.
My fish are made from steel that I bend, forge, and weld. I use a torch to heat up and soften the steel. While the steel is red hot, I use a hammer and various hand tools, such as clamps and vise grips, to shape the steel. In order to join the steel together and to create new forms, I use a Mig Welder, then an electric hand grinder to clean welded surfaces and to polish the steel forms.
I use the natural qualities of the steel to capture the colors and forms of a specific fish. I grind, hammer, and torch its surface to create a specific shine or texture. I use black paint to get a sense of depth and contrast. I use patinas to get the specific color that I feel is an important attribute of the fish.
The ocean and its inhabitants have always been a great source of inspiration for my art. Through these sculptures, I hope to capture the mysterious allure of these sea creatures, an allure that has continued to pique my curiosity.
A few of my sculptures can be viewed at Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters in San Francisco. My Web site, josedanielrojalessculpture.com, is under construction. For inquires please e-mail me at josedanielrojales@gmail.com.
Daniel Rojales
