David Salazar

What Program did you graduate from and when?

In 2007, I graduated from the Sculpture/Installation program with a focus in figurative sculpture, mold-making/casting, bronze foundry, metal workshop and plastic studios.  

In 2017, I completed The Interdisciplinary Master's in Art, Media and Design (IAMD) program, where I focused my research on sculpture and installation.

What is your current title or role? (ie. freelance designer, art practitioner, etc.)

I’m currently a Toronto based sculptor exhibiting with Rafi Ghanaghounian at Samara Contemporary in Kensington Market. 

I divide my time between my sculpting practice and my own interior painting business. My painting business allows me to meet my family’s financial obligations while also giving me the flexibility to maintain a prolific studio practice.  

Since my studio practice involves the tradition of hand modeling clay, mold-making or casting in various materials such as plastic, bronze, or plaster, I am commissioned to apply these skills for private commissions or to collaborate in public art projects. 

Why did you choose to attend OCAD U?

It was only when my two older brothers (graduates of OCA) found out I had a physical scheduled with the Canadian Armed Forces they enrolled me into a sculpting night class (at OCAD U) to build my portfolio.  
 

Please briefly describe your current job/practice.

I am currently finishing up two projects. A public art sculpture commissioned to be cast in bronze and installed in Toronto’s west end, and a series of porcelain sculptures titled, Bird-Botany, that will be exhibited at the 3rd International Biennial of Asunción (Paraguay) in March 2020. 

Both projects reflect my research into the use of animals as cultural symbolism and allegory. 

My intent with my work is to invite the viewer to reflect on the human experience through traditional animal-based narrative, while on the other hand, the sculptures can also stimulate reflections on how animals are used to define the human experience.

How did you get started in your career? 

In 2006, while I was an undergraduate student, I became a studio assistant to Tom Dean. I was introduced to fundamental studio techniques I continue to practice today such as enlarging clay models to large-scale sculptures to be cast in bronze. 

In 2010, I moved to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and began to work as a sculptor for a samba school. Working in a team of eight sculptors we created large-scale sculptures in Styrofoam for carnival.

In 2013, I moved back to Toronto and began to work as a sculptor and foundry technician at MST Bronze Foundry.

From the day I began to work as a studio assistant for Tom Dean, as a sculptor for carnival, and for MST Bronze, I have put into practice what I had originally learned in the studios at OCAD University.  My education at the university introduced me to many different fabrication processes’ that I later further developed as a practicing sculptor.

What were your policies regarding internships, volunteering, and paid work?

My policy is simple—get paid for the work you do but if the experience will change your life then take the hit, learn, and move on quickly.

The only time I knew I would not be paid in full for my work was in Rio de Janeiro’s carnival, a precarious industry but one I felt was an opportunity of a lifetime.  I was part of a team sculpting 14 to 20 feet high sculptures for one of the biggest parties in the world. I knew this was an experience of a lifetime and that I would be challenged to my core as a sculptor.

The ability to complete my commissions gave me the confidence I carry with me today before any major project.  I needed this experience and I knew then and know now that that is was Priceless.       

What do you enjoy most about your work? What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

What I enjoy the most about sculpting is that when I’m in the studio sculpting becomes a meditation, I often observe the balancing of forms in space while creating my animal anatomy and gestures.  Sculpting is fundamental to my understanding of being.  

In 2020, I will be exhibiting work in Paraguay, Cuba and Brazil and I am finding that the most challenging aspect of this opportunity has also begun to work in my favour. Presenting my research and work in both Spanish and Portuguese is allowing my thought process to evolve in three different languages and cultural references. 

Being an artist and at the same time having my painting business I have freedom and autonomy, I can build my own schedule while still having quality time with my family. 

What skills or relationships developed at OCAD U helped you participate in your field? Is there anything you would have done differently?

I feel I developed strong connections through the community of artists at OCAD U. I still have contact with classmates and there is a sense of comradery. I often receive calls from my network of fabricators refereeing me to take on a project and I do the same when I am busy with other commissions. I feel a lot of us are fortunate to have a community to which to consult on materials, processes and budgeting for projects.

What are the key responsibilities you maintain for your practice? 

Research and discipline are fundamental to my studio practice. It’s important to improve my sculpting skills every day through practice so even after a long day of work I find myself sculpting.  Socializing with people in my industry and making new contacts is very important for creating new opportunities. 

What are your personal and professional goals for the coming years?

My professional goals for 2020 (as of now).

January – (Faze 2) of a public art commission, sculpting large animal sculpture to be cast in bronze (details to come).

March - Exhibiting Bird-Botany (a series of 150 porcelain wall sculptures) at the 3rd International Biennial of Asuncion (Paraguay). 

March – Lead a sculpting workshop commissioned by Native Women in the Arts, in collaboration with, Workman Arts.

May - Artist residency in Havana (Cuba), where I will research ceramic firing techniques and create a series of sculptures for the exhibition. 

June – Artist residency/exhibition Sao Paulo (Brazil)

Personal Goals 2020 (as of now).

Begin construction of a house on our land in Brazil, an Artist Residency is in the works in the historical town of Tiradentes, this will allow for a bridge between both countries I call home.