Gabriel Rivera: Sculpting Harmony from Nature’s Forms
people • makers
Gabriel Rivera is an artist renowned for his captivating abstract sculptures. His work spans both abstract contemporary pieces and semi-abstract sculptures that often allude to human shapes. With an insatiable curiosity and a constant drive to develop new ideas, Gabriel's creative process is defined by experimentation and adaptability. He works with a diverse range of materials, including wire, cardboard, concrete, recycled wood, air-drying paste, epoxy clay, acrylic paints, and, most recently, ceramic clay. Through these rough and varied mediums, Gabriel masterfully creates harmonious abstract sculptures designed to invite thoughtful contemplation, evoke pleasant emotions, and provoke meaningful discourse among observers.
INSTAGRAM: @gabriel.rivera.sculptures
Words: designeers
November 2024
DESIGNEERS
Tell us how you got started in this field? What drew you to this type of art?
GABRIEL RIVERA
Since childhood, I’ve always been artistic. I was the typical boy who coloured and drew all the time. I didn’t think twice about choosing to pursue art as a career when the time came. This choice was heavily influenced by my father, who had a deep appreciation for art. I’m grateful that he consistently encouraged me in this direction. My tendency toward sculpture was entirely coincidental, the result of a strange turn of events. When I went to enrol at the local art school, the only remaining option was sculpture because all the painting spots were taken. They suggested I study sculpture for the first year before switching to painting in the second, confirming the subjects I had already taken. However, after trying sculpture, I fell in love with it and was so hooked that I decided to stick with it and pursue sculpture. The thought of being able to create 3D objects still amazes me. I cherish the entire process, from modelling and making the moulds for the pieces to touching and feeling the earthy clay and plaster. These experiences have drawn me to sculpture ever since.
DESIGNEERS
What inspires your creative process?
GABRIEL RIVERA
Nature is my greatest source of inspiration. I try to replicate the flawless forms and organic elements of nature in my artwork because I find them so amazing. I encounter a lot of inspiration in the shapes I see daily. Everything in nature and my everyday routine that suggests shapes to me, such as the waves of the sea, the gusts of wind, mountain silhouettes, feminine curves, human shadows, the shape of stones, tree leaves, insects, birds— all of these inspire me. I always incorporate curved lines and circular elements into my work for a philosophical reason and because I find them calming, serene, and inspiring.
DESIGNEERS
How do you balance aesthetics with functionality in your designs?
GABRIEL RIVERA
Balancing aesthetics and functionality is a thoughtful process for me. While my sculptures are primarily artistic expressions, I always consider how they interact with the spaces they inhabit. I ensure they don’t just occupy space but enhance it, adding depth and provoking thought without overwhelming the environment. For me, it’s about creating pieces that are visually striking while still maintaining harmony and practicality in their setting. Each sculpture needs to evoke emotion while integrating seamlessly into its surroundings.
DESIGNEERS
What inspires your creative process?
GABRIEL RIVERA
Nature is my greatest source of inspiration. I try to replicate the flawless forms and organic elements of nature in my artwork because I find them so amazing. I encounter a lot of inspiration in the shapes I see daily. Everything in nature and my everyday routine that suggests shapes to me, such as the waves of the sea, the gusts of wind, mountain silhouettes, feminine curves, human shadows, the shape of stones, tree leaves, insects, and birds—all of these inspire me. I always incorporate curved lines and circular elements into my work for a philosophical reason and because I find them calming, serene, and inspiring.
“With every curve and contour, I aim to create harmonious sculptures that provoke thought, elicit emotion, and invite a deeper connection with the organic beauty of the world around us.”
GABRIEL RIVERA
DESIGNEERS
What’s your favourite material to work with, and why?
GABRIEL RIVERA
I don’t limit myself to one material, as I love exploring new mediums depending on the message I want to convey. That said, I do have a particular affinity for ceramic clay. Working with clay allows me to shape my ideas in a tangible, flexible way. Its malleability gives me the freedom to experiment, while its earthy quality connects me to a sense of grounding and permanence. I also love the transformation process during firing, where the raw material becomes a finished, enduring form. The versatility of clay makes it an inspiring material for my work.
DESIGNEERS
On your workbench right now:
GABRIEL RIVERA
At the moment, my workbench is a reflection of my ever-evolving creative process. It’s filled with sketches, wire structures, and early moulds for a series of sculptures I’m experimenting with. There’s also a selection of recycled wood and some freshly fired ceramic pieces waiting to be painted. I always keep a notebook handy to jot down ideas or quick sketches when inspiration strikes.
DESIGNEERS
Who or what are your design heroes?
GABRIEL RIVERA
One of my greatest inspirations is Henry Moore. His ability to create abstract sculptures with such a deep connection to the human form and nature fascinates me. I also admire Barbara Hepworth for her innovative exploration of shapes and materials, which continues to influence me. On a more contemporary note, I am inspired by the works of Antony Gormley and his thought-provoking engagement with space and the human experience. These artists remind me to push boundaries and explore new dimensions in my work.
DESIGNEERS
What’s your dream project?
GABRIEL RIVERA
My dream project would be to create a large-scale public sculpture in a natural setting—perhaps along a coastline or in a forest. I would love to design a piece that interacts with the elements, such as wind, water, or light, and becomes a part of its environment over time. The idea of creating something that not only engages people emotionally but also harmonises with nature is incredibly exciting to me.
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