Denis Gaston
Mentor to Javier T. Dones
Denis Gaston: I’m a lifelong artist with a degree in graphic design from the University of Florida. After 18 years in that field, I switched to fine art and have maintained an active art studio in Dunedin and now Clearwater for 35 years.
CP: Have you ever mentored another artist before?
DG: Not active mentoring, but one-on-one teaching and inspirational mentoring over the years. I’ve met artists who have told me I was an inspiration to them years before as students.
CP: What has your relationship with your mentee been like?
DG: Co-inspirational. We have learned from each other. I’ve been impressed with Javier’s commitment to creativity in whatever he is doing.
CP: When you meet, what types of things do you work on?
DG: We shared knowledge and Javier explained his unique process of working with copper. I shared different venues that he could pursue to get his art in front of more people.
CP: What do you hope is the most important thing your mentee took away from their time working with you?
DG: Keep making art, no matter what.
CP: How has this mentorship influenced your own work as an artist?
DG: It has inspired me to get back in the studio and make more art.
