PUBLISHED BY MOSHOLU PRESERVATION CORPORATION

Norwood Artist's Work a Window Onto Self

By JESSICA GLAZER

Norwood artist Jose Rios has gone from the lows of homelessness to the highs of seeing his paintings showcased in Manhattan galleries, as they will be later this month during his third solo show.

That long trajectory began shortly after his father died, leading Rios to the streets and heroin addiction. “I had two passions, getting high and art,” said Rios, 51. “Getting high took over and painting died out.”

Although his passion for art faded during those troubled years, the muscular Puerto Rican still created things and worked with his hands. Rios would fix up discarded items, ranging from brass symbols to a fountain, and later resell them.

After 10 years of homelessness, Rios says he managed to leave the streets through the support of family members, especially his daughter, Jephthahlyn. “I was just surviving from day to day,” said Rios, now thriving in his Knox-Gates apartment.

Rios has maintained his entrepreneurial tendencies, stretching his paintings’ canvases and occasionally crafting their frames from plywood or salvaged items. He mixes his own paints, sometimes adding sawdust to create a textured surface.

Rios’ subject matter also employs three-dimensionality as he frequently paints building interiors seen through window frames. “People are always looking out or in to see what’s happening outside,” said Rios about the theme of his current exhibition, which includes over 35 works. “This is a chance for people to see into my windows.”

Much of his subject matter is intensely personal, ranging from scenes from the streets to pastoral views of Puerto Rico. “I wanted to be inspired from within,” said Rios, whose apartment is almost entirely devoted to his artwork.

Rios shares his stories of personal renewal at Phoenix House, a rehabilitation center where he once sought help. Leading a 10-week class for at-risk youth, Rios has students reflect on their lives through portraiture. “A lot of times kids don’t look at themselves and see what they are worth,” Rios said. “Hopefully, I can be an example of what not to do.”

While offering indelible life lessons, Rios views his personal growth as ongoing. “I hope I never [find myself] because I enjoy looking for myself [through painting],” he said, smiling. “[My paintings] are all a part of me. I am never entirely satisfied with the finished pieces. It is a process.”

Ed. Note: Jose Rios exhibits his work from April 19 through 30 at Gelabert Studios Gallery, 255 W. 86th St. in Manhattan. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. An opening reception will be held Saturday, April 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.joserios.net    or call (212) 874-7188.

 

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