Mario Duarte
Rockford, IL
Mario Duarte is back and ready to showcase his incredible metal sculptures once again. As a professional welder with decades of experience, crafting sculptures out of scrap metal is something that keeps his skills sharp while scratching that creative itch. His art is abstract and whimsical with a fluid quality that makes it both playful and visually striking.
The energy of DEVIATE is what Mario is most looking forward to and you’ll want to make sure you check out his newest creations when you Do Something Different on September 16.
September 16
How was your DEVIATE experience last year? Why did you want to come back again? The DEVIATE experience was very different from other shows I’ve participated in. I came back to be part of that same energy from the first show and experience what DEVIATE will bring second time around.
What are you looking forward to most this year at DEVIATE? I look forward to mingling with a fun, energetic crowd and fellow artisans and simply being part of the ambiance for that night.
Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration in all things around me. However, I love the creativeness that goes into some jewelry so the origin story behind some artwork starts with lots of jewelry at times.
What’s your background? How did you get into art? Give us a little history! My background is welder and fabricator, so it was sort of inevitable with a creative curiosity and using the skills I’ve acquired in my trade that I stumbled into the art scene.
Is this your full-time job? If so, where do you work? I have a full-time welding job for a local company and have been welding for over 20 years working upwards of 55 hours a week at times and I still try to find time to stay creative.
Why should people come out to DEVIATE? People should come out simply for the experience.
How would you describe DEVIATE to someone who’s never been? I’d describe Deviate as something of a music art fashion festival all in one.