The Artist
Gabriel Fernández was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and grew up in the Bronx. As a youngster at P.S. 89, he used to draw Batman, Superman and Spiderman on loose-leaf paper to sell to his classmates for a nickel so he could buy baseball cards.
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After graduating from the High School of Art & Design in New York City, Gabriel played baseball, and football at Worcester State College in Massachusetts before dropping out and joining the Navy.
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While serving in the Navy, Gabriel visited 15 different countries, along with living in Japan and the Philippines. During his 20 years sailing in the Pacific, he carried his sketch pad with him at all times, recording his impressions of the people, sights and cultures he experienced.
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After retiring from the military, Gabriel settled in San Diego. There he worked as an employment specialist for various non-profit social services agencies, and helped over 1,000 people find jobs. Gabriel continued to create art at night and weekends, earning a Bachelors’ Degree in Painting and Printmaking from San Diego State University.
Gabriel now lives in Duluth, GA, with his wife Sharon, who was his classmate in high school. He is currently a homeless Veterans’ employment services specialist, and spends his free time reading, hiking, painting and drawing.
