About Eddie
Artist Bio
The land that raised Edward Fuentes Jr was the greater Los Angeles area, territory of the Tongva and Kizh peoples. His maternal Indigenous roots are anchored in the arid regions of northern Mexico, from descendants of the Tún, Chí, and Puc families of the Yucatán region of the Mayan culture. His paternal ancestry is from the Náhuatl-speaking Pipil from the volcanic forests of Central America.
He currently lives in Kāneʻohe, in Hawaiʻi Pae ʻĀina, under the afternoon shadow of Keahiakahoe and nourished by the ʻĀpuakea rain. Fuentes served as a Hawaiian Studies carving lecturer at Windward Community College, and his work has been included in exhibitions at Gallery ʻIolani in Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʻi. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
Artist Mission Statement
Many of Eddie’s deepest joys are found in the realm of sculpture. Sculpture is more than just assembling materials, but is a narrative that shares the essence of a material’s physical properties and characteristics. A chance to push his technical limitations and create something that resonates with him emotionally. Respectfully utilizing lessons from his kumu, elders, and professors, he crafts sculptures from diverse mediums: metals, wood, bone, shell, ceramic, rock, and fibrous materials — each with unique potential and aesthetic.
Art’s power to convey emotion and message deeply inspires Eddie. His work is a vessel for discussions on cultural self-determination, decolonization, and Indigenous rights. He aims to challenge societal norms and politics by manifesting his imagination by creating both small scale pieces, and also installing outdoor mixed-media sculptures in public spaces.
As he observes struggles in places like Hawaiʻi, Mexico, Palestine, Cuba, Rapa Nui, and Standing Rock, he envisions his art becoming beacons of hope. If even just one piece inspires positive change, his mission to pass on ancestral wisdom as an artist of mixed heritage will be fulfilled, so he is committed to growth. Eddie aspires to develop his skills towards becoming second nature to someday engage technical prowess with innovation to express emotions and imagination effectively.
While Eddie’s distinct style is a work in progress, he embraces the journey of discovery. He recognizes that his skill set is evolving, yet he is determined to expand his creativity. His aspiration is to nurture a recognizable style so that when someone encounters his work, they can confidently say, “That’s a piece by Eddie”, and be inspired to make their own art.