The Hunter is a five-foot welded depiction of a kneeling soldier, in his hands is the body of a lifeless dove. The message is that humans create and destroy peace when it is convenient. Reflection uses readymade objects, including a card table, book, playing card, and mirror, to comment on themes of knowledge and gambling. The book represents science and knowledge, while the card represents gambling. The reflection cast by the mirror creates the illusion that both objects are whole.

With an eye toward protecting the environment, Criollo uses found and recycled metals for most of his art. He sources metal scraps from automobile repair shops, and viewers can often find recognizable items like spoons, gears, or bolts hidden in his work. Each new piece begins with a vision, which Criollo translates into a sketch. Using the sketch as a guide, he searches for metal pieces that could serve as the core of the sculpture, building off the core bit by bit until the form is complete.

For these most recent pieces, the funds from the grant allowed for the purchase of additional metal sheets, welding supplies, paint, and hardware. The new materials also allowed Criollo to experiment with new techniques, and create from a different perspective. He says receiving the grant allowed him to complete his vision without worrying about how to pay for materials, and the tools acquired will be used to produce art for a long time.

Completed Works