ARTS
Jeff and Dale Ocasio dream, scheme and cohort to actualize their artistic wonders
Making Oddity and Enchantment
In the southwestern corner of the delightfully sunny peninsula of Florida, dwell the Ocasios. It is said that unusual materials are turned into fairy-like creatures in their mystical workshop. Their craft has extraordinary powers of enchantment, making them irresistible to those who set eyes on them. It is not sorcery, though. It is a powerful concoction of dedication, persistence and, most of all, love.
Jeff and Dale Ocasio have dedicated many years to mastering their technique. Together they have established a process of production, using recycled materials with masking tape as the main medium to sculpt these intriguing pieces. From sculptures to altered bottles and toys and even wall art, the couple can transform anything into fine art―with just tape, glue and acrylic paint. Their attention to detail is outstanding.
Beyond the medium lie messages of love, collaboration, cooperation, unity and peace. Their work bases itself on the simplicity of life―suns, moons, stars, flowers, animals and people, all shaped and colored in the palette that has become their signature colors. Their uniqueness has captured the attention of many collectors and art enthusiasts. They work together, bouncing ideas off each other, but respecting one another’s approach to each piece.
The process starts with a simple idea within a conversation, passing from one pair of hands to the other, until they both agree that it is ready to be shown. In February 2013, the couple earned Best in Show at the Art of the Book juried exhibition, hosted by the Alliance for the Arts in Fort Myers. Their artwork since has shown in multiple exhibitions. “Creating art together was inspired by our children,” says Dale Ocasio, who masters the color application of the sculptural process. “We started making toys for them using materials we had on hand. Jeff made blocks from large branches that had fallen from our oak trees, and I taught myself how to make soft-sculpted dolls and puppets.”
The artists in 2012 established the Ocasiocasa Studio and Gallery in downtown Fort Myers. Their work shocked some and attracted many. Visitors were intrigued to see transformed, upcycled dolls and toys turned into art. Some misunderstood the style as dark or creepy. Their work, however, intended to repurpose and express their artistic inclinations, in the most
honest way possible. Although the studio closed, their fan base has grown. As they continue to create from their home studio in Fort Myers, the demand keeps them busy, producing for such galleries as DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts, HOWL Gallery, and the Alliance for the Arts, among others. “We were thrilled to have a studio and gallery in downtown Fort Myers,” Dale says. “We knew it was the best way for us to continue getting face-to-face feedback about our art. Our art was, and still is, pretty unusual. Getting consistent confirmation from customers, who liked [the artwork] as much as we do, gave us the determination we needed to keep going forward.”
DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts manager Frankie Herb has been working closely with Ocasios since the gallery’s opening in Fort Myers in April. “Jeff and Dale are incredibly talented. This gallery would not be complete without their talent.”
And while some artists keep their creative procedures secret, the Ocasios enjoy showing others the possibilities of sculpting with masking tape. During
We have things that we like to imagine and daydream about.” —Dale Ocasio
the Ocasiocasa years, they taught classes and did process demonstrations. Today, they continue their workshops at different events and galleries where their masterpieces are regularly on display. “We taught classes specifically to Lee County school art teachers, who are now incorporating it into their curriculums,” Jeff says.
Adds Dale: “We have things that we like to imagine and daydream about. We plan on finishing a book that we are writing and illustrating with digital artwork of the sculptures, and we would like to get into an art show like the Columbus Circle Holiday Market [New York City]. Our daughter lives in Brooklyn and is the main instigator behind our dream. We also have our eyes set on the One of a Kind Show in Chicago.” David Acevedo is a visual artist, arts writer, art gallery owner and curator living in Cape Coral. He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. He is a co-founder of the Fort Myers Art Walk and owner/manager of The Union Artist Studios and DAAS CO-OP Art Gallery & Gifts in Fort Myers.
Jeff and Dale Ocasio have dedicated many years to mastering their technique.