Gabe Fernandez

Oregon based, Gabe Fernandez, was raised in a small logging town in the Cascade Mountains. Mentored early on by a retired commercial illustrator in his community, Fernandez received his degree from Pacific Northwest College of Art. Though skilled in illustration, he became intrigued with the deeper meaning and personification of everyday items that was more typical of painting within the fine arts. His unique perspective depicting empty and isolated personal places and objects was honed during his time working as a counselor at an overnight homeless shelter for youth. In the eerie quietude of the nighttime hours at the shelter, Fernandez was captured by the light hitting an old vinyl office chair. He related to the chair as a fellow passerby with a rich story to tell of its mysterious past. Fernandez’ visual vernacular evolved to include architectural elements, vehicles, diners, luggage and other antiquated accouterments. There is a level of detail in Fernandez’ photo realist paintings that illuminates his care and thoughtfulness of the subject. Devoid of figures, his vacant scenes are given cognizance and character through a refined use of light and shadow.