Meet Daniel Rocha | Artist

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

Hi Daniel, why did you pursue a creative career?
Hi, my name is Daniel Rocha a metal artist born and raised in Houston. The reason why I decided to pursue an artistic career is because of the amazing people that I met along this journey. One day when I was sitting around in my apartment where I used to live rambling though some of my earlier artwork that I created during high school, I realized I came so far from not knowing how to draw during my youth to competing in art contests. I was even invited by my high school art teacher to help paint three murals. My art teacher was the gateway for me to move forward on becoming artist. I’m especially proud of the mural I helped paint which still remains where I was raised in the Port of Houston. So, moving forward I decided to get back into creating sketches and painting on canvas. Now here is where the magic comes alive thanks to the owner of a company that I worked for as a welder. I was approached by the owner one day and he asked me if I ever tried making a sculpture out of metal. He and his wife create art and he said that creating a sculpture could be rewarding. He said that after seeing some of my paintings I should try it. Well, I decided to give it a try and created this bug-eyed fly and that is when all the experience that I gained throughout the years came to life. He was right! I had this feeling of accomplishment, and I was amazed by it. Now I realize this is who I am. I even take on commissions, show at galleries, and sell at outdoor art markets like First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. I love spending my days creating beauty out of scrap metal.

A quote:

Mitch Cohen, founder of First Saturday Arts Market & The Market at Sawyer Yards had this to say about Daniel’s work.
“What I love about Daniel’s sculptures is that they really are unique. There is nothing else like it out there. I’ve had the privilege over the years to watch his technique evolve and he’s managed to keep his style consistent, while improving and growing. That’s the sign of a true artist!”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My artwork is mainly created out of scrap metal and welded using the tig welding process (GTAW). My proudest moment is when I decided to take on my first commission. Yes I was afraid of disappointing the customer, but I knew no matter what this was going to be a learning process. I would say my toughest commission was creating an F-15 Eagle Pass fighter jet sculpture. Not having any idea what the end result would be, I did all my research and even made a few phone calls to a few flight museums. The customer was pleased and I gained a good deal of experience. What I would want the world to know about me is that I always strive to create one of a kind metal sculptures.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my best friend out to Art Car Museum to check out some amazing cool cars. Next stroll along to Sawyer Yards to check out some local artwork. Then catch a bite at Niko Niko’s for some Greek food.

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?
Mitch Cohen, founder of First Saturday Arts Market & The Market at Sawyer Yards Art Teacher Hector Gonzalez
Kennon Hugghins

Website: http://www.danielsuniqueartforms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielsuniqueartforms/