My Story
“Actions are energy; neither created nor spent. What we do today travels within the space of time, and it will inevitably come back to us.”
As Faith May Allow (unpublished)
Estefán in his Washington, DC, studio
My Biography
I was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on August 14, 1967. I was raised between Connecticut and Puerto Rico, and the experiences I lived in those places have inspired and shaped me and my art. I grew up with my parents, an older sister, and two younger brothers. After leaving home at the age of 19 years old, I lived in lived in various US states, Puerto Rico, and European countries.
While leaving in Brussels, I was introduced to egg tempera, and vowed to use the technique. Later, when I visited Florence, I watched Italian painters use the technique. It took me quite a few years to finally start using the technique. Thanks to the modern marvel of YouTube, I retook my training, and finally gave it a go! As of today, it is my favorite painting medium. My first attempt was an abstract painting which received a lot of praise… and some negative criticism. As one Facebook “critic” put it: “It shows that you don’t know how to use the technique.” Well, he was right, but I love that painting.
My training in art started as a sophomore in Wilby High School in Waterbury. Under the guidance of professors Marie Considine and Dr. Andrew Sirica, I learned to draw and paint, among other things. Professor Considine’s gentle approach to teaching allowed me to learn and find my inspiration. By the time Dr. Sirica got a hold of me, I was a rebellious student artist, while searching to define my skills.
Years later, while living in Puerto Rico, I studied under the tutelage of the great Puerto Rican Master, Luis Germán Cajiga. With him, I learned how to use palette knives and create silkscreen prints. His studio in Old San Juan was an inspiring place for a young artist like me.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.
Estefán