Sandy Rodriguez

Statement of my work

L.A. Series
Beneath vibrant cobalt violet clouds of smoke, helicopters and cable lines, my current works examine the Los Angeles Landscape. Raging cadmium fires illuminate oil painted views of charred hillsides and communities in jeopardy. Silhouetted iconic Mexican Palms and eucalyptus included in many works stand in sharp contrast to the bright vermillion and yellow flames and flares. These oil paintings are inspired by my own observations multiple media sources including live news feeds from helicopter cameras, print media and online sources.

The chosen color palette evokes the peculiar yet particular light of Los Angeles’ atmosphere from the Eastside to the Westside. These paintings include the range of contemporary light and color from raging wild fires and smog-induced Technicolor sunsets; to crystal clear views of the LA basin. Recurring motifs of LAPD helicopters, and surveillance cameras and fires are set against neighborhood scenes of locally owned storefronts and working class communities.

Through my works I participate in a surveillance of Los Angeles in redevelopment and destruction. My work documents new truths about the changing the Los Angeles landscape.