Jesus Moroles (1950 – Corpus Cristi, Texas)
Reflection of Life, 2014 and Sacred Fire and Water Fountain, 2014
granite and water

About The Work

Craig invited Jesus out to the winery before any construction started and asked him what he would feel inspired to do as one or two works that could be unique and one-off commissions for the winery only. While standing on top of the old 1885 winery during the early stages of renovation from what is now the second floor, Jesus looked out and quickly imagined a long fountain that could reflect the mountains and the vineyards. Jesus more-or-less on the spur of the moment, named his two pieces Sacred Fire and Water Fountain and Reflection of Life. In a separate area, Jesus envisioned a piece similar to one that he made 20 years ago, as a combination of fire and water fountain.  Jesus bought the granite for each of the fountains in various quarries. The large reflections of life granite came from a quarry in California, but the stone was shipped to Texas for cutting, and brought back to California. The fire and water stone is actually from Texas.

As Jesus was spending days and days fitting and putting together, and shaping the final fountains, a Native American woman stopped by and was watching him work. She said she was moved by the pieces and asked if she could bless them. Upon Jesus’ consent, she went into a long chant and dance.  Jesus was moved by the long and very deep blessing that the woman offered for the fountains and there in lied his addition to the front of the name of the fire and water piece Sacred Fire and Water Fountain. He hopes that both of these pieces will be gathering places for many to enjoy and reflect on their lives just as the spiritual Native American woman did in her very special blessing.

Biography

Jesus Moroles is a great international artist, and someone who Craig and Kathryn have collected for many years.  Jesus grew up in Texas and became renowned for his large-scale abstract granite sculptures. Moroles received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas in 1978.  After graduating, he spent at year in Italy and was motivated by marble-carving techniques and when he returned to Texas, he decided to take those techniques and use them on stone.  Among many highlights in his career, Jesus was recognized with the prestigious National Medal of Arts from the U.S. Congress in 2008.