Love, Pain, Agony

Joaquin Soto is a multidisciplinary sculptor. Originally from Mexico but has called North Texas home for the last 26 years. Formally trained at UNT and interned with numerous national and international sculptors to keep growing artistically.

The main source of inspiration is his own personal stories and cultural memories. His works embrace materials that are sometimes overlooked or discarded. With the goal to bring new life and perspective to the message that we all deserve second chances.

Artist statement

In a constant state of disconnection...

Disconnection is the feeling that I have felt most of my life. Growing up, I never had a good sense of belonging to any one culture, place, identity, or group. As an immigrant, I have always had the feeling that I was inhabiting multiple worlds, while never calling one home.

This feeling has transferred over into my artwork, in my eternal journey of always giving something a home or purpose. My works are created from multiple materials, pieces, and repurposed items. Many of these materials are sometimes overlooked and discarded, as they have served their initial purpose. I have a sense of purpose of giving an item a new light, and history. This can be in part due to my past experiences of searching for connectivity and wanting to belong and not be under-appreciated.

My main source of inspiration comes from my own personal history, and experiences. As I try to reconnect with my own identity, I have learned to express my culture through my art. Each piece I make is a bridge of experience that I take from one piece to the next. This has served as my main driving force to want to be a better artist and learn from my mistakes. In the end I wish to honor my past, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future through my art.