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The idea of
enriching lives through the visual and entertainment arts
provides the vital pool of inspiration from which Gary Roller
draws his dynamic creative energies. Like the various spokes of
a wheel, reaching in all directions from its hub, Roller
expresses that energy through a variety of creative mediums
which touch the lives of people throughout the world. Roller
believes that the goal of art should be to touch the viewer.
"Successful art imparts deep personal insights, awakens love,
and gives a deeper understanding of life," he says.
Drawing upon
the realistic and inspirational backdrops of the New Mexico,
Roller blends heartfelt vision with the skill of the sculptor to
model images that enrich the lives of people worldwide Best
known for depicting the various cultures of the rugged
southwestern landscape, he often focuses on the spiritual life
of the Native American as a powerful symbol which expresses
universally understood life experiences.
Roller's love for music, and
his belief in the power of music as an art form, keeps him
involved in that aspect of the arts as well. Though he performs
in a variety of musical configurations, he is probably best
known for his longtime association with Michael Martin Murphey's
Wildfire Productions. Through his appearances with Murphey in
numerous performance settings, including symphony concerts and
acoustic shows, Roller has devoted tremendous amounts of musical
energy toward keeping country and western music traditions in
front of the American public. These efforts with Murphey have
been a key element in the renewed interest in Western music and
culture, and have spawned national magazines, best-selling books
and movies, and the advent of the Warner Western label, a
division of Warner Bros. Records/Nashville. It is through some
3,500 concert performances and appearances in videos, movies and
on television that Roller has developed a nationwide musical
family of friends and fans, who enjoy both his music and his
art. His drawings, paintings and sculptures are collected by
celebrities including Dan Fogelberg, George Strait, R. C.
Gorman, Holly Dunn, Susy Boggus, Amado Peña, The Judds, and
Michael Martin, but Roller is equally proud for his art to be
found in the collections of fans and friends from every walk of
life.
Because of his ability to
portray recognizable figures with intensity and emotion, Roller
is often called upon to create tributes to well known and
beloved personalities. His tribute to John Wayne was chosen by
Texas Governor Bill Clements to be the official memorial from
all the citizens of Texas. The bronze bust was presented to the
actor's family on behalf of the State of Texas. A bust of Walt
Disney , another of Roller's influences, is on display at Walt
Disney World in Orlando, Florida, and serves as an
attraction which celebrates Disney’s creative genius. Roller's
tributes to outstanding authors and world teachers can be found
throughout the global community. It is his hope that the images
will encourage people to open to greater possibilities and offer
light on their path of personal development. His work serves as
focal points in schools, churches, community centers,
businesses, parks and even entire communities.
Roller has
collaborated with fellow New Mexico artist Amado Peña in
presenting cast paper images from the artist’s Albuquerque
gallery, El Taller. He did a series of eight limited edition
images with Peña, and two bronzes, Tres del Puebo in 1992, which
sold out its limited edition, and Caballito de las Americas,
which was released in 1993. Both cast paper and bronzes combine
Pena's Mestizo characters with Roller's use of wax. It is the
first time either has worked so closely with another artistto
develop a new piece of art.
Gary was honored by his
hometown high school, Tascosa, which voted him into its Rebel
Hall of Fame for encouraging young people to develop their
potential and realize their dreams. One of his bronzes is on
display at Tascosa High.
Currently Gary
is blending his love of sound with sculptures in a series of
fountains. The works have been enthusiastically received by his
collectors.
http://www.sandovalsignpost.com/apr04/html/about_the_artist.html
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