Ricardo Manuel Díaz

I was born in the City of Guantánamo, Cuba to the daughter and son of Spanish immigrants. My mother was a stay at home mom and my father owned and operated a small coffee bean roasting company. The Cuban Revolution came to power in 1959, and by 1961-1962, it began to confiscate properties and businesses. My parents decided it was time to leave. In 1968, the departure visas finally arrived and my family left Cuba for Miami and shortly thereafter, settled in Chicago. From the time as a child in Cuba, I drew and modeled plasticine. It wasn’t until the age of fourteen, upon entering Senn High School, that I began to study art and architectural drafting. As an immigrant there are many forces at play in the choices available, and at the time the choice to study architecture over art was a clear one. I received a four year scholarship to the College of Architecture and Art at the University of Illinois in Chicago to study architecture. My interest in art and art history continued while in pursuit of a degree in design. I was selected for the 1981-1982 study abroad program in Versailles, France, where I continued my studies and frequented the museums in Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Basel and Amsterdam. My time abroad came to an end with the sudden death of my father back in the United States. My thesis work (drawings and model) was selected for an exhibition at the architectural galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago. Upon graduating in 1983 with a Bachelor of Architecture in Design and a Minor in the History of Architecture and Art, I worked for a year at an architectural firm in Chicago. I soon realized that my interest in painting, drawing and sculpture was stronger than my interest in architecture. In 1984, I left the business of architecture to devote my life to art, to making. In 1988, I briefly attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I studied painting under Karl Wirsum. I have exhibited my work at the Rockford Art Museum, Elmhurst Museum of Art, Hurn Museum and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, as well as galleries and art centers in Chicago and Evanston; Illinois, Michigan City; Indiana, Savannah; Georgia, Orlando; Florida and Florence; Italy.

Who or what are your biggest influences?

The History of Western Art. Philosophy, literature, poetry. A long list of painters. But, I generally don't rely on influences or sit around waiting for inspiration. What is an integral part to your work as an artist?

Knowledge, courage, intellectual honesty, hard work and a good cup of coffee.

What role does the artist play in society?

The majority of people in society don't care about art or artists and if they do it tends to be along the lines of what is fashionable at the time. The role of an artist in society as I see it, is to remain free. Nowadays, artists are more like social workers.

Has your practice changed over time? If so, how has it changed?

The reason for making art never changes. It is a necessity and it becomes more acute as you get older. I go into the studio to stay alive.