By Mary Goldmeer
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The "Surreal Scenes" art exhibit at the Georgia T. Lord Library held an Artist Reception on Thursday, Nov. 14. The event provided an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and view the various works on display, including the featured "Digital Days" collection by Adrian Ramirez.

Ramirez, a local artist known for his murals and canvas paintings, presented his digital artwork, a medium he initially dismissed but has since embraced. His "Digital Days" series reflects his exploration into digital and illustrative art, which he describes as a significant part of his artistic development.

"For a long time, I held the misconception that digital art was somehow 'easier' or 'less authentic' than other forms of art. I was quick to dismiss it. But a few years ago, when I finally tried creating digitally, I learned how wrong that assumption was," Ramirez stated.

The digital pieces on display are the result of many hours of work—over 320 hours collectively—and are entirely hand-drawn. Ramirez noted that working digitally helped him refine his understanding of light, composition, color, and form, lessons that also benefited his work in other mediums.

"Like any artistic medium, digital art requires practice, patience, and skill. As I honed my techniques, I realized how much it was teaching me about the fundamentals—light, composition, color, and form. These lessons didn't just apply to digital work though; they profoundly impacted my murals and canvas paintings for the better," he stated.

"The intention behind these works isn't to tell a clear story but to create space for introspection. I want viewers to explore their own interpretations, free from the confines of explicit narrative," Ramirez stated. "By embracing perspective—both physical and metaphorical—my goal is for these pieces to encourage personal reflection."

The reception offered attendees the chance to discuss the creative process with the artists and experience the variety of surreal works featured in the exhibit. Ramirez emphasized that for him, art is not just a visual product but a space for self-discovery.

"For me, art is more than a visual product; it's a meditative journey, a space for self-discovery. I invite you to join me in this exploration and see what meanings you uncover," Ramirez stated.

The "Surreal Scenes" exhibit will remain on display at the Georgia T. Lord Library until Jan. 29. The show features a variety of surreal and abstract works, offering visitors a glimpse into the creative visions of local artists.

 The next exhibition, "Space Odyssey," opens in March 2025, inviting artists to explore the mysteries of outer space. Submissions for this exhibit are open until March 3, 2025.

Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.