Meet Jose Calabres | Artist and Art Gallery Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Calabres and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
First, we should talk about what we consider success. I believe that the heart of everything lies in that concept. Personally, I measure success by the amount of satisfaction it brings us to do something, beyond what it can offer us financially. In my case, I have been involved in the world of art since I was a child because my parents are artists. I grew up with the idea of having my own art gallery. But not just any gallery, like the thousands of other galleries everywhere, but with the idea of creating an art gallery that truly dedicated itself to honoring artists. How is that achieved? By giving the respect and consideration that artists deserve.

The work of artists is often very challenging. Not only because their work is to be creative, which is already quite difficult, but also because we do not live in a world where art and humanism are appreciated as a necessary good for humanity, and therefore, artists are often seen as crazy or of little value. That’s why making a living from art is almost impossible. I have experienced this as an artist myself.

When I finally managed to create my own gallery, I wanted to dedicate it to providing the most dignified, free, and respectful environment possible for the artists who exhibit in it, as I believe artists deserve to be treated. And that’s how, with each new exhibition, my soul is filled with joy knowing that my artists are happy with what I do for them. That is success for me.

So, what can I say is behind the success of my gallery? Success lies in the fact that no matter what happens, I always do everything in my power to do the best I can every time I do something. In each experience, I learn something, and that experience helps me to be better in the next step. Eventually, taking so many steps turns us into experts in what we do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Things are never easy. We often see “successful” people as enlightened individuals. But being successful is not just about making millions of dollars with a product. Being successful is about being HAPPY with what you do. Money is just one factor in the equation, and if the idea you had manages to monetize millions, you’ve certainly done something right. But what happens when you don’t have the money to make your idea generate millions? Does that mean you’ve failed? I don’t think so. I believe you fail the day you think you can’t do something.

In the world of art, I have achieved triumphs I never thought I would, like winning an Emmy Award. But the following year, I was able to be a judge for those same awards. I have had exhibitions of my sculptures in very prestigious museums and galleries. But I can say today that I have reached a level of prestige as an artist because I didn’t let self-pity or low self-esteem defeat me any of the countless times I was rejected by so many people.

For every success achieved, I can count hundreds of times that I failed trying to do something. The truth is that the work and effort of artists, or workers in general, are rarely recognized, to the point that frustration and disinterest can undermine our soul. That is the real challenge to overcome. I would like to contribute a little to the world and make the voice of artists reach farther. At least in my community, and if I achieve that, it’s already something I believe is important.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, I have to say that I am fortunate to live in a wonderful city like Knoxville, TN, at the foothills of the incredibly beautiful Smoky Mountains. Visiting these mountains is definitely a must-see destination for any visitor in any season of the year.

Next, I would offer some of the best culinary experiences in the country, as Knoxville is the city with the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country. Therefore, the city’s menu ranges from the simplest cheeseburger to the most refined Italian or French cuisine in a matter of minutes, all seasoned with the most beautiful views of the mountains or the Tennessee River.

We have, among other attractions, some of the most beautiful museums, such as the East Tennessee History Society in the heart of Downtown Knoxville, with one of the most beautifully curated permanent exhibits in the country, and the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture at the University of Tennessee, affiliated with the Smithsonian museum network. The Gatlinburg Aquarium, one of the most (if not the most) beautiful in the country, and a visit to the Tennessee Theater, nearly two centuries old and of such beauty that it leaves us speechless.

Drinks at any of the city’s breweries, like Xul or Schultz Brewery, where the atmosphere and drinks are spectacular. A visit to the downtown pubs, where there is live music with very high-level bands, or at Bernardette’s pub, where there are more than 10 million carats of precious gems on display at the bar. A walk in the World’s Fair Park, and not to forget to visit places like The Lost Sea, the world’s largest underground lake, just 20 minutes from Knoxville! There are so many things to do and see in our city that I’m afraid one week wouldn’t be enough!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I believe we are who we are for many reasons. Personally, I think I have spent my life genuinely interested in learning everything I can about everything I can. I am a natural-born curiosity. Everything that happens in the world interests me, and everything related to the human spirit and its consciousness grabs my attention.

I grew up on a remote farm outside of the city. I have been making ceramics with my parents for as long as I can remember, up to today. But I am also a proud farmer from the Venezuelan Andes. I have been cultivating coffee since I could start walking. I helped my parents with the crops on our farm and taking care of the animals. I believe that taught me to appreciate the beauty of the work that rewarded us with food on our table. But I also grew up in a world surrounded by art, poetry, and music. My parents always instilled in me the value of humanism and supported me in every new adventure I wanted to undertake, from writing a book to playing the violin. If I owe many things to someone, it is definitely to my parents and the education they gave me. I also had the good fortune to grow up in a very small town in size but large in good-hearted people who guided me at every step and helped me grow immensely as an artist and as a person. I have truly been a very fortunate man.

Instagram: @jackiecalabres

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jose-calabres-550488104

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackiecalabres

Image Credits
Jose Calabres. Name of the clay sculpture: FURIA Name/Place of big sculpture: FURIA. Knoxville’s Zoo