This week, check out the new gallery space of international artist Jorge Blanco, located in Sarasota’s Burns Historic Court District. The gallery space, titled Jorge Blanco + Andrew Ford Fine Art, showcases Blanco’s print work and sculptures.

“Recently my friend Andrew Ford offered me a little space in a great location in the city to show my work,” says Blanco. “I’m very happy with this opportunity. We did a little opening a week ago and will have a bigger opening in February. I’m showing my sculptures and prints – it’s a beautiful smaller space, so I’m not showing my biggest pieces there but I’m still super happy with it and grateful for the space.”

Blanco, who originally hails from Venezuela and emigrated to the United States in 1999, specializes in abstract sculpture crafted from different types of metals that span the range from colossal public works made on commission to various sizes of collectible sculptures. His art aims to embrace positivity, by highlighting the brilliant moments of everyday life. Although rooted in the abstract, his work is far from unrecognizable – his 2005 sculpture “In the Swim”, which can be found in Fort Pierce, Florida features an abstract, yet identifiable portrayal of three people swimming. Much of his sculpture work is heavily influenced by minimalist, geometric design as he explores planes and angles in his art.

“You draw from the tribulations of your experience and your environment,” says Blanco. “I’ve been working in art from the time I was a teenager. In 1974, it became my profession with my first piece to show to the public and in 1975 I did my first solo exhibition of sculptures and drawings – I’ve been at it for almost 50 years. I studied industrial design, which is very close to architectural and sculptural work and has also been a big influence on my art.”

Jorge Blanco + Andrew Ford Fine Art, Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 10am-3pm, 502 Pineapple Ave, Sarasota, 941-953-7776, https://www.jorgeblancosculpture.com/