About the artist
Creating art is a journey. Whether the medium is paint, bronze, wood, glass, clay or paper, each has it's own intrinsic characteristics and I must acquaint myself with those qualities. The journey for me begins when I observe the world around me. Sometimes it might be a powerful and loud thunderstorm, or a whisper of a word, or the colors of a sunset; maybe the movement of deer or buffalo dancers, or the eloquent songs of mockingbirds singing at daybreak that sparks my senses and interest. Inspiration comes in infinite forms. I feel a certain obligation to take these sources of inspiration and explore all perspectives and to find a path to formulate an idea or a visual element or statement. The creative process always takes me into new territory; sometimes rocky, rough, and sometimes smooth as silk. Each new image or work will have it's own unique message and purpose. These are the elements of the creative process that I love and bring me great joy. To be challenged and to explore all the possibilities of an idea is what I live for.
I credit my father, Francis Paul Vigil, for laying the foundation for my artistic endeavours, my mother, Juanita, gave me her gift of unconditional love. Grandparents, Juanito and Lupe Sando, taught me the value of hard work and commitment and determination. My family has always been a force of strength and support. I rely on my traditional philosiphy and beliefs of the Jicarilla Apache and Hemis to guide me on my artistic jorueny; and on this path we call life.
