Last year, I flew through Memphis, Tennessee and found myself with some time to kill one hot August afternoon. So I drove about 10 miles to visit the city’s historical Memorial Park Cemetery on Poplar Avenue. No, I was not going there to pay my respects to a deceased relative or friend. Instead, I wanted to pay my respects to one of the most gifted faux bois (false wood) artists of the Western Hemisphere, Dionicio Rodriguez.
Rodriquez was born in Toluca, Mexico in 1891. He is known for perfecting a process in which he carved reinforced concrete to look like wood and rocks. Rodriquez developed his unique skills at a young age working in a Mexican foundry and for an Italian artist, who produced imitation rocks. He later worked with Mexican architects and engineers to reproduce ruins of ancient buildings, including a major project for the presidential residence in Mexico City.
Dionicio Rodriquez came to the U.S. in the 1920s, and proceeded to travel extensively throughout the country working on commission to sculpt concrete into compelling footbridges, benches, and other shapes to simulate wooden tree limbs.
His works spanned 30 years and are on display today in numerous cities across the U.S., including San Antonio, Memphis, Little Rock, Chattanooga, New York, and Ann Arbor. Many pieces are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including his works on the grounds of the Memphis Memorial Park Cemetery.
Rodriquez did not speak English and he never married. He died in 1955 in San Antonio, and left no immediate survivors. What he did leave behind, however, was a rich legacy of beautiful and unique art.
His works have been catalogued in the 2008 book by Patsy Pittman Light, “Capturing Nature, The Cement Sculpture of Dionicio Rodriquez.” According to Amazon.com, “Light spent a decade documenting the trabajo rustico (“rustic work”) of Rodriquez.”
I marvel at the patience and dedication to one’s craft that produces results at the level and scale of this artisan. It frankly inspires me, and should inspire others, who seek to distinguish themselves from their peers and competitors.
Muchas gracias Señor Rodriquez for coming to this country to share your talents in so many concrete ways — for both the living and the departed.
