Richard Read

Richard Read was Almaraz’s studio assistant from the early 1980s through Almaraz’s death in 1989.

I was privileged to meet Carlos in 1982, began as his art assistant in 1983, and watched him enjoy a life doing exactly what he set out to do early in life—creating art. I was a closeted artist all my life and he gave me the courage to get out there and start creating. My paintings and furniture didn’t change the world, but they changed my life. Carlos helped teach me to be fearless. After seeing many of my furniture pieces, Carlos told me he had always wanted to paint a screen. We talked and planned out our first collaboration but he soon became too ill. The screen was built after we lost him. I held the brushes to paint our screen but I know it was Carlos moving my hands.

 

Return to Other Voices: Reflections on Almaraz's Legacy  

Return to Playing with Fire: Paintings by Carlos Almaraz

0