Lazaro was born in Cuba, and migrated to the states with his parents
and grandmother in the early seventies. He grew up in a mostly hispanic area of New Jersey. After high school, Lazaro joined
the military, and was stationed at FT. Bragg. After his enlistment, he decided to call North Carolina home. To the dismay
of all his neighbors, he hasn't left yet. While very Americanized, he still holds his Cuban heritage close at heart.
I
have never attended art school. I have taken some classes on graphic design at FTTC, and I had some amazing art teachers
while I was young. In high school I had a great sculpture teacher named Mr. Bendian. He was not only a teacher. He was
a true friend. By my senior year I pretty much ran the class while Mr. Bendian drank coffee, smoked cigarrettes, and did his paperwork.
Everything I touch, artistically, has his name on it. Another important influence in my life is Mr. Crabtree. He
taught me how to paint correctly. He is also there guiding my every brush stroke. Whenever I smell the sweet aroma
of linseed oil and paint, I can't help but to be swept back in time when these two men sculpted and colored my soul. My
interest in art caused me to read everything I could find on the artists I love, and the history of art since cave
paintings. Technically, I am practicing the oldest profession in the world...painting on walls! I remember
when I was in second and third grade. The PBS station would show a painting in between Sesame Street and the Electric
Company. They would talk about these paintings and the artist who painted them. To this day, I remember all of the
things they talked about.
PS....
I love my mother like everyone should, but now I get paid to do what I used to get my ass whipped for doing as a kid!
Seriously, I wrote on everything! Love you Mom.
