Luz Tortolero created a series of two paintings, entitled Reminiscence, inspired by students working away at Central Piedmont's old Machine Shop.
We don't know much about the individuals in the photographs and what sort of projects they were working on, but the mystery sparked her imagination and resulted in the creation of the first series in the Archival Photos Reimagined exhibition.
"Going into this project, I knew I wanted to paint more than one, and I wanted both paintings to have a similar color palette and composition," she said. "I took these aspects into consideration while looking through the Archives. Many pictures caught my attention, but the machinery, the equipment, and the look of concentration in both faces were what made me choose these images."
Luz visited the Archives back in late November to peruse through our photographs collection and select her photos for the project, making her our first student researcher.
"Just by looking through the Archives pictures, I learned a lot about the history of Central Piedmont," she added. "I got to see and appreciate some of the people that have made an impact in the College."
Wayne Upchurch
c. 1980s
Black-and-white photography
A student from the Machinist Program cutting a piece of metal to a desired shape in the Machine Shop as it spins on an engine lathe. Students continue to learn how to set up manual as well as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines in the Computer-Integrated Machining Technology Program and how to perform basic and advanced machining operations.
Luz Tortolero
2023
Oil on wood panel (13.5 x 10.5 in)
The vibrant color palette and abstraction in both paintings are intentional. According to Luz, they are meant to emphasize the mystery of these two photographs. She wanted to give this series of paintings a twist and bring out different aspects of the composition while at the same time add her own thoughts and interpretations.
Unknown
c. 1980s
Black-and-white photography
A student in the Machine Shop using a Bridgeport vertical milling machine for a manual job. Today, students learn CNC milling (or Computer Numerical Control milling), a machining process that uses computerized controls to operate and rotate multi-point cutting tools.
Luz Tortolero
2023
Oil on wood panel (13.5 x 10.5 in)
The vibrant color palette and abstraction in both paintings are intentional. According to Luz, they are meant to emphasize the mystery of these two photographs. She wanted to give this series of paintings a twist and bring out different aspects of the composition while at the same time add her own thoughts and interpretations.
Art and creativity have always been a big part Luz Tortolero's life. Her oldest sister is an artist, so she grew up going to galleries, museums, and seeing her create her own work. Her parents have also always encouraged any creative endeavors from an early age.
After hearing good things about the arts department at Central Piedmont Community College, she registered and started working toward her Associate in Fine Arts degree. She's currently in her second year and plans to transfer to a four-year institution, where she intends on obtaining a bachelor's degree as well as a master's degree in Fine Arts.
Luz mostly paints with oils, but lately, she's been experimenting with printmaking and ceramics. She also describes her artwork as vibrant and expressive. She doesn't shy away from color. Instead, she embraces it and allows herself to have as much freedom and fun as possible. She chooses colors that feel right for each composition. Sometimes, she likes to create a specific color palette for some of her paintings, and then with others, she allows herself to be more flexible. She also likes to play with abstract and realism, so she includes those styles in her compositions.
You can find Luz on Instagram (@luzvaleriat), where she generally posts her artwork.