Yamin Cespedes Salazar, a Chilean born artist and professor of art, elevates the standards of creative expression in the local art scene through his work. Alongside his wife, the gorgeous Sid Rebel, he upholds an eclectic aesthetic, influenced in part by enigmatic past masters like M.C. Escher, Dali, and H.R. Giger, and in part by good old rock ‘n’ roll. He views the act of creating itself as a primary inspiration, through which he gains a sense of the innumerable ways in which materials can be transformed to manifest the imagination.

A true renaissance man, Yamin’s expertise extends to most any material, from wood, metal, leather, or glass to photography. His prefered medium is sculpture, primarily with wood and metal. This preference reflects the influence of his father, a master woodworker, with whom Yamin worked from boyhood to restore antique furniture. It was during this tutelage that Yamin first realized the potential to free the forms held within a solid, by use of his hands and practiced techniques. The interest in the transformation of materials persisted, and itself transformed into a profession.

Studying art as a university student in Chile, Yamin then specialized in education, and gained licensure to teach at the university level. For ten years, he served as a professor of art at Chile’s prestigious Colegio Rubén Castro. He deeply enjoyed his tenure, where he was able to not only share practical knowledge with his students but to evoke their creativity as well. Though, when life pulled him in a different direction and brought him to Texas, he was ready.

Beginning anew, Yamin and his wife (and their darling cat, Gala) established their creative presence in the Houston art circuit. Yamin soon became known for designing custom items of extraordinary diversity. From ornamental to practical, his commission history includes  medieval weaponry, woven bags, archery equipment, jewelry, wooden toys, the construction of logos, and more still.  He still prefers to sculpt in wood and metal, citing the contrast of materials as capable of leaving an especially potent impression on the viewer.

In Houston, a city Yamin enjoys in part because of its cultural diversity and lively, collaborative art scene, he has been featured in many galleries, festivals and artisan markets. The DeLorean Motor Company contracted him as a designer of jewelry. Additionally, the YaminSidRebel online shop attracts clients from across not only the United States, but globally as well. For his artistic efforts, the Houston Press as well as numerous other local publications have distinguished him. He is a truly talented and original creator, and the Houston art scene esteems his unique contribution.

Follow the artist on Facebook, and Etsy as well, to keep up with his work.