(b. 1964)
Nicholas Herrera always displayed an innate creative sense. As a child, in El Rito, he carved wooden figures and boats as well as his existing toys "to make them my own." In 1990 a head-on automobile accident resulted in a near-death experience for Herrera. He saw a long tunnel with a bright light and then he saw a death figure carved by his grandfather. When he recovered, Herrera knew he had lived for a reason and turned to art full-time.
Herrera's
work evokes his deep sense of place and his life experience. He tackles autobiographical,
cultural, social, political, and religious subject matter. His themes vary widely
from the daily life and struggles of the Northern New Mexico Hispano communities
to the international conflicts of terrorism and war. "I do pieces about
heroin, drugs and alcohol-things that can destroy you," he says. Herrera
also incorporates found objects into his art. "Every time I go somewhere,
I find art supplies on the side of the road." In his piece titled Spanish Market Herrera provides commentary on the complex dynamics of market and the relationship between customer and artist. When viewed closely, one can see Herrera has depicted himself as the artist. "My art is my life," Herrera says.
Herrera collects "junque" and old cars. He is featured in the March 2004 issue of Lowrider Magazine.
