I had the privilege this summer of taking pictures at a local art studio for the Joplin CVB. A reminder of how much I love my job and working with the CVB, because photographing artists is almost a hobby for me already.
I’ve never met anyone like Jorge Leyva. He commands an intense respect in the art world… his work has exhibited internationally, with collectors from Mexico to Europe. His command of multiple, MULTIPLE art forms is beyond impressive. He just headlined an exhibit at Joplin’s Spiva Center for the Arts with fellow artist Brent Skinner.
A lot of artists hope, dream, aspire to that grand act of ‘making it’ doing what they love… and Jorge is an example of someone who has done that, plus a lot.
So you’d think that the guy would be a total snob, right?
Totally wrong. He’s the most humble, talkative artist you’ll meet, with an easygoing- dare I say goofy- nature that immediately lets you know he’s your friend.
Carrie from the CVB and I got to enjoy a good hour and a half of conversation about the arts in Joplin while we visited with him and shot his studio. His passion and views on that subject are inspiring- taking a positive and change inducing ‘get-things-done’ approach that bands artists together, rather than complaining a bigger city is the answer or assuming the reclusive artist mindset.
That’s enough words. Words aren’t really my thing. So here’s pictures of Jorge, his studio, and his work…
this was the part of the shoot where he began coming up with his own poses…
‘More fire! Fire is always good!’
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if you’d like to check out more from mr. Leyva, check out his website at www.jorgeleyvastudio.com.
9art photography - joplin, missouri 
I love his painting of the bird! ^_^