From the first moment I encountered Hilario Lugo's work, I was struck by the depth and precision of his engravings. A self-taught master engraver, Lugo combines a dedication to high-quality, intricate designs with a passion for teaching others. Join me as we explore his captivating journey from a spontaneous beginning to becoming a mentor for future artists.
A Spark Ignited by Passion and Precision
"My life changed the moment I saw those engraved lowrider wire wheels at a local swap meet," Hilario recounted. This discovery fused his childhood love for art and lowriders, igniting a passion that propelled him into the world of engraving. "I bought the cheapest tool I could find and started engraving on any piece of metal and glass that I could find," he told me, highlighting his self-driven path into the craft.
The Art of Engraving: Meticulous and Personal
Engraving for Hilario is a meticulous process that begins with a thoughtful sketch to ensure "the design flows with the shape of the piece." He explained, "I make any necessary design adjustments and then cut away." He prefers aluminium for its softness and mild steel for its reflective quality, which enhances each finished piece.
Upholding High Standards
In our conversation, Lugo emphasized the importance of integrity: "I follow the golden rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This philosophy underpins his commitment to quality and respect in all his commissions, ensuring each piece meets his high standards and aligns with his client's visions.
Challenges and Learning
Recalling one of his most challenging projects, Lugo shared, "My mistake challenging projects was one of my first big projects. I engraved a bunch of parts for a '62 Impala. I severely undercharged and agreed to a timeframe that I was not able to meet." This project was a turning point, teaching him valuable lessons about the business side of engraving.
Empowering Others Through Teaching
Lugo's passion extends beyond creating to teaching the art of engraving. "It's so awesome to see people go from not having a clue how to engrave to seeing them engraving," he expressed with enthusiasm. His teaching philosophy is about sharing knowledge to keep the culture alive, offering hands-on classes that cater to all skill levels.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Lugo plans to focus on smaller items and expand his teaching studio to accommodate more students. "I plan on focusing more on smaller items in the coming years," he mentioned, considering the longevity of his career and his physical well-being.
A Message of Inclusivity and Quality
Ultimately, Lugo wants his work to resonate widely. "Even though what I do can be labelled as Chicano Art, my art isn’t only for me or people who look like me. It’s for everyone to enjoy," he passionately stated. This inclusivity is central to his teaching as well, where he urges students to produce the most authentic and excellent work possible.
Hilario Lugo's narrative is not just a testament to his technical skills as an engraver but also reflects his profound impact as a teacher and community influencer. His approach to engraving and teaching emphasizes respect, quality, and a deep commitment to cultural heritage, resonating with a diverse audience and inspiring the next generation of artisans.
As he continues to shape metal, he also shapes lives, fostering a community of learners and appreciators of the engraving art form. His story is a powerful reminder of how passion can transform talent into a shared experience, enriching not just individual lives but also the broader artistic community.
In Conclusion
Hilario Lugo stands as a beacon of artistic integrity and educational leadership in the engraving world. Through his hands, simple metals become intricate artworks; through his teachings, novices become skilled craftsmen. I invite you to explore his gallery, learn from his courses, and perhaps, discover the joys of engraving for yourself. Follow Hilario’s journey and see how a dedication to craft and community can create not just art, but also a legacy.
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