About the Artist:
Edwin Gil is a versatile and introspective artist whose work reflects his deep connection to nature and humanity. Through his art, Edwin explores themes of healing, self-discovery, and community unity. His projects, such as gathering handprints of hope on a flag, exemplify his commitment to using art as a tool for fostering understanding and connection.
Artist Statement:
"I believe in the transformative power of art. It has the ability to heal wounds, bridge divides, and inspire change. My art is a reflection of my personal journey, a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Through my work, I strive to inspire others to explore their own identities and confront their fears, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and compassionate world."
Process:
Edwin's artistic process is deeply personal and introspective. He delves into his own "Layers," exploring his patterns, attachments, and fears. This introspection is not only a creative endeavor but also a means of personal growth and healing. Each piece in his collection represents a part of his journey and invites viewers to embark on their own paths of self-discovery.
Artist Biography
Throughout my artistic journey, I have embarked on various projects that have shaped my perspective and approach to art. One of the most significant aspects of my work has been learning to accept and transcend my own history, using art as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
My travels around the world have deeply influenced my art, particularly in unifying communities and challenging stereotypes. Through projects like gathering handprints of hope on a flag, I have seen the transformative power of art in fostering understanding and connection.
As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am currently focusing on a deeply personal project: exploring my own "Layers." This introspective journey delves into my layers, patterns, attachments, and fears, inviting others to join me in their own explorations of self-discovery.
My artistic endeavors are not just about creating art but also about inspiring others to explore their own identities and confront their fears. Each piece in my collection represents a part of my journey that I hope resonates with others on their own paths of discovery.
Welcome to my artistic world, where I invite you to join me on a journey of self-discovery, Without Fear.
Gil
is a passionate advocate for social art, utilizing his art to connect and unify culturally diverse groups within the United States.
Edwin Gil's artistic journey has spanned the globe, profoundly shaping his art and worldview. He has initiated numerous projects that challenge stereotypes and foster community cohesion. Currently, his focus is on the "Layers" project, an introspective exploration that encourages others to embark on a journey of self-discovery, unencumbered by fear. Edwin's social art initiatives, such as Con ‘A’ de Arte (A For Art) and Art Si (Art Yes) in collaboration with the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, as well as Nuestra Bandera, Nuestro País, Nuestro Hogar (Our Flag, Our Country, Our Home), Home Sweet Home, Flag of Hope, and Faces of Diversity, are aimed at engaging youth and using art as a catalyst for positive community transformation. His recent biography, "The Game of Alchemy in Life," and the accompanying exhibit, Alchemy, underscore his dedication to spreading hope and fostering understanding through art, locally and globally.
The Story
Gil is a dedicated social activist who harnesses the power of art to connect communities and foster positive change. Through projects like Con ‘A’ de Arte (A For Art) and Art Si (Art Yes) in collaboration with the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, he engages youth and promotes art as a catalyst for social transformation.
His acclaimed Home Sweet Home initiative involved Charlotte school children in creating a monumental mural, earning him recognition and the opportunity to meet then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Another remarkable project, "Nuestra Bandera, Nuestro País, Nuestro Hogar" (Our Flag, Our Country, Our Home), united displaced Colombians globally to imprint their handprints on a canvas. Over 25,000 handprints from Colombians worldwide created this flag, which was later presented to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe during the country's bicentennial celebration in Colombia.
Gil's influential work has received international recognition, including prestigious awards like the Premio Huella Colombiana en el Exterior, Premio Diamante in NC, and Premio Nueva Generacion in Miami, FL. In 2011, he was honored by the municipality of Medellin for his project "Nuestra Bandera, Nuestro País, Nuestro Hogar." Additionally, he was named Latino of the Year by Agencia EFE, joining esteemed individuals such as Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Journalist Jorge Ramos, among other national awards in the USA.
His ongoing project, Flag of Hope, involves traveling across North Carolina to collect handprints and signatures, creating the nation's first handprint flag made by North Carolinians.
Additionally, Gil has initiated projects like Painting4Diversity, the Faces of Diversity Project, and has conducted diversity workshops at local universities and community organizations.
Despite facing significant challenges, Edwin has emerged as one of America's leading Latino artists, sharing his inspiring journey through projects like Faces of Diversity.
After serving as an art teacher at PDS CLT for 4 years, Gil embarked on a new journey on the West Coast of the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2022, he returned to Charlotte to assume a new role as Chief Development Officer at Latin American Coalition (LAC), aiding in the establishment of a cultural center for the Latino Community of CLT. His current personal projects, including a biography book and an upcoming exhibit on Alchemy, showcase his dedication to using art as a means to inspire hope and foster understanding.
