An artist in every respect, Oswaldo Garces’ talent was shaped from an early age in his home country of Ecuador.  Born in 1961 to a family of fine artists, photographers, and authors, he was exposed to a world of adults who encouraged him to indulge in magical expression.

Sitting quietly in the back of the classroom while his mother studied art, at the Central University of Ecuador; Garces was exposed to the works of Guayasamin, Van Gogh, Vitery, Picasso, Monet and Dali.  He clearly remembers the wonder he felt as he sat as his mother’s side resisting his desire to hold brush and pallet, while she transformed a stark government building with the vibrant color of an immense mural.  
Possessing so many talents, Garces struggled to find a place to focus and find complete fulfillment.  Shortly after attending Law School at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador he launched a 12 year career as an explorer.  He led expeditions throughout Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, the Amazon jungle and the Andean Mountains of Ecuador and Peru in search of archeological sites and Spanish war ships carrying gold and silver.  For years he climbed mountains and explored caves and mines on the trail of the mysterious lost treasure of one of his own ancestors, the Inca King, Atahualpa.  

Eventually, Garces traveled Europe, the Caribbean and South America and discovered a movement of people who were escaping the suppression of young minds in South America.  He was highly influenced by the art and culture he experienced during that period and set such inspiration to words in his Spanish poetry.  Reflecting on his life and acknowledging the whisperings of his favorite poets, Cabrera, Neruda, Lorca, Marti, Stormi, Garces Molineros, Becker and Rafael de Leon; Garces transformed reality into passionate expression that speaks to the essence of our humanness.  Finally, a long awaited compilation of Garces’ poetry; has been completed and await publishing.  This collection features his most moving writings which explore the persecution of immigrants; his connection to his family, history and country; and love and romance.

Fortunately, as a boy Garces’ ability to draw and paint was recognized, nurtured and flourishes today in the form of portraits, landscapes, nudes and abstract pieces.  His latest works reflect the persecution of immigrant and undocumented workers, as he examines current social issues impacting the Latino community.

Oswaldo Garces lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan where he owns a successful janitorial company.  He co-founded the Hispanic newspaper, El Vocero Hispano and recently formed El Heraldo Enterprises; a Latin Internet Media Company.  He and his devoted wife, Ruby, have three children and are committed to serving their community and leading efforts to strengthen the voice and social status of Latinos in America.