The Visual Arts Alliance hosted a panel discussion with artists that were first professional architects. The interview-style event revealed issues particular to those with a formal background in architecture and how that influences their current artistic practice. The four panelists, Daniel Brents, Luisa Duarte, Tiffany Heng-Hui Lee and Carlos Pozo shared insight about the link between formal architectural training and the creation of fine art. Duarte said, “I have found my voice with memories of childhood and architecture bridged with my life now” while Pozo shared, “I’ve always been attracted to repeating patterns and technology such as CAD. Screen printing is therefore my ideal media.” Brents reflected on his career change saying, “I became bored with the formulaic nature of commercial architecture and sought to create paintings.”
The program was hosted by the Houston chapter of the American Institute of Architects (https://aiahouston.org). A local chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA), AIA Houston is a community of architects coming together to accomplish their practices and in this region that which no single architect can do alone. Through a diverse catalog of programs, members have access to resources and tools to shape the built environment of Greater Houston. AIA Houston’s public outreach programs serve as a platform for experiencing architecture and design on a personal level, and reach a wide range of audiences, including students, educators, architects and designers, artists, design aficionados, Houston residents, visitors, and those interested in learning more about Houston’s built environment. Their most noted public programs, AIA Sandcastle Competition and AIA Home Tour, engage over 25,000 people every year.
