David Perez
Joe Perez was a forth generation Texan (native Austinite) who served as an apprentice for eighteen years in the ironworks of the legendary Weigl brothers.
In the early sixties Joe branched out creating iron sculpture in his own unique style. His work came to be collected by luminaries such as President Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson, and Willie Nelson. Sadly, Joe passed away in 1993. Joe's eldest sons, David and James Perez, grew up in the iron shop and inherited the expressive legacy of their father. They are key iron workers on the monumental Rose and Cretaceous Garden Gates Project.
During his last decade of life Joe and his sons teamed up with public artist David Santos on several major projects. The last time they applied for Austin cultural funding in '92 there were the top ranked applicant in the highly competitive peer review process. On another front, the Perezes' and David's sophisticated steel robots won them major worldwide print and media coverage.
Joe's last wish was that his sons be established as masters in themselves. Along with David Santos they are extending the Perez design language into ever bolder and fresher directions. Joe truly lives on in their work.
David Perez |
|
Professional references for David Perez, James Perez, and David Santos-
Ponciano Morales III, AIA (512)447-5515 Ray D. Ullrich, PE (512)837-6427
Joe Perez at the Forge- The image below was taken by Martha Peters of the City of Austin Art in Pubic Places Program.
Thanks for flying PolyCosmos. Join us again.
