Daniel Garcia

I am an independent artist who primarily focuses on the iconic imagery of the New Orleans area in his work. I specialize in wood carving on recycled materials such as doors, shutters, driftwood, skateboards and more. I salvage the driftwood from the Mississippi River itself. For my doors, often people will bring me old doors from their homes rather than simply tossing out these wonderful items. Each hand carved piece is an original, carefully shaped with the highest attention to detail. In addition to this New Orleans iconography, I often create artworks that are deeply personal. As a proud Cuban, homosexual and veteran of the United States military, I feel at home creating controversial pieces which reflect my unique place in our global community. I strive to achieve a poignancy in these works. Furthermore, I created a movement called \'Interactivism\' in which a particular work of art represents a cause or issue and people are able to sign their names to the door in an show of solidarity with that cause. I am committed to working with at-risk young adults to teach them my artistic skills. I personally mentor young people who need guidance in the hope that they will realize the beneficent potential of art in their lives. Wood carving is the means by which I hope to leave my mark on the world - a mark which I hope will be both beautiful and meaningful.