Meet Erniel Chacon Pérez | Sculptor and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erniel Chacon Pérez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erniel, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision for me was to leave my country after graduating from the university and to come to the US to work in my father’s welding shop. I graduated as a sculptor from the Institute of Superior Art (Instituto Superior de Arte) known as ISA in 2010. My vision was to work in Cuba as an artist and have my own studio. I knew that coming to the US would be a struggle of having to live in two realities; the life of an artist and the life of a welder working in construction. The time that I dedicate to creative work and the time I have to put in at my job as a welder are always competing. Another difficult thing is that I had to submit myself to a more rigid form of thinking in my job, which is different from the freer, more fluid, and spontaneous thinking of my creative side. Although my job has been repetitive, repetition is also an element of art and design. I live in a duality and a paradox but it has helped me to create this same duality in my art. Although coming here was a difficult decision, I realize that it relates to my interest in connecting my product with the public and my desire to not live in a reality separate from society. I feel thankful because I can open my vision and skills in order to give more strength and meaning to my artwork. Change is difficult but it has been worthwhile.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a mix of several elements. It’s a combination of reality, imagination, and skills. It is a reflection of my everyday life and my upbringing in Cuba. My art is about a combination of materials. I use metal, stone, and wood in my work; materials used in construction. My art reflects my creative energy, strength, and productivity. It’s my relationship with the material that guides my artwork. My art is a feeling, a sensation of spiritual beauty, work, and imagination.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my family, especially my wife and my parents. I also want to thank my professional mentors, especially Luis Gomez Armenteros and Angel Mario Trenard. I thank my dad for teaching me and developing my skills in welding.

Image Credits
Edgar Matias