Artwork copyright Boyer Gonzales. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Balanced Rock, 1972

Boyer Gonzales
(American, born 1909, died 1987)

Location: Washington State Arts Commission, Olympia

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Balanced Rock is an abstract painting by late artist Boyer Gonzales. Describing his creative process, he notes "I am interested in personal responses that combine observation with intuition and imagination. If the work which results is successful it will have an inner spirit and life of its own."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Department of Social and Health Services.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Artist and teacher Boyer Gonzales (1909-1987) wrote “...my work stems from visual experiences, but it is not representational in the traditional sense. I strive to build 'form-life' that allows the painting to exist for itself and have a spirit of its own.”

Gonzales received a degree in architecture in 1931 from the University of Virginia with the idea that it would strengthen his painting. He continued to study art at the Art Students League in New York City. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. He taught art at the University of Texas before accepting a teaching position at the University of Washington School of Art in Seattle in 1954. Gonzales became Professor Emeritus in 1979 and lived in the Seattle area until his death.