Luis R. Gutiérrez
Artist, Austin

            In the mid-seventies, I saw one of José’s drawings on the cover of Caracol, an arts and literary magazine.  With very few lines and in simple and elegant style, he portrayed an indio briskly walking forward, steadfast and confident.  It was a bold statement on the continuum of a people and its culture.  It was imprinted in my brain.
            Years later, I met José and saw the drawing in a whole new light – as a self-portrait.  It was an indio marching toward his future, in search of himself, his expression and his craft.  His stride has not wavered, and with the same passion he continues to move ahead, consuming and interpreting the world around him.  His draftsmanship, sense of color, composition and above all else, his humanism, have always been an inspiration.