By Lupita Ramirez and Mercy Sanchez

Obed Gomez, recognized Puerto Rican artist, whom last Friday, August 8th of 2003 we had the opportunity to interview and to share with, during the art exhibition "A HISPANIC PERSPECTIVE" open at the Orlando City Hall, FL. Obed was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, this artist, at the early age of three years old, began his interest in art by means of small drawings and colors. Obed Gomez’s source of inspiration and motivation was his maternal grandmother, who paid attention to the talent for the art that was developing her little grandson. His grandmother, a person rooted to the Puerto Rican culture, whenever she could, used free time with her grandson to comment and to teach him Puerto Rico’s history and culture. Due to this legacy transmitted by his grandmother, Obed Gomez inclines his artwork to the subjects of the Three Wise Men, Don Quixote, folkloric music and musical instruments, parrandas (it is similar to Christmas carol in America) and all the typical scenes of Puerto Rico.

Hi uses acrylic on canvas - "I use it because it has greater durability, and also because through the years this material do not crack like the oil” – Mr. Gomez adds. The styles that influence more in his works are the cubism, the impressionism, and the abstract expressionism, the artist considers "these three are the most significant and powerful ones to express a message" – Gomez adds. Through his works the public receives the message that he wants to project.

Gomez feels there is a lot of musical influence in his art, because when he was young he played the guitar and the "cuatro” (a Puerto Rican musical instrument) Obed Gomez has exhibitions through all Florida (Gainesville, Miami, Casselberry, Orlando, etc.) His future projects will include exhibitions in Tampa, Kissimmee, United Third Bridge in Melbourne, and Gainesville. His cultural legacy and the traditions of his native land are his passion. The gallery that promotes Obed Gomez is situated in Cornwall, England. The International Golf Champion, Ernie Els, acquired one of his recognized originals “Bongos”.

Cultura Magazine asked Obed Gomez to send a message to those youngsters who would like to become an artist like him with the international success and position of honor in which he is today, and he stated - “Do not forget that the talent comes from God; the maximum Creator, God is an artist! I always give the glory to him”. Sometimes the artists (since with their talent to create) – have a tendency to forget that their talent comes from God. My goal is to take a piece of memory of our homeland for all the Hispanics of the world away from home. Because it does not matter where they come from: Ecuador, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, etc., or where they are, there are many things in our culture that unites us” – concluded Obed Gomez.