Happiness is a Journey

Happiness is a Journey chronicles the daily life and art of Bear Lopez, an East Austin resident of 60 years. Artists Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan met Bear at the Austin American Statesman’s printing warehouse where Lopez has been working for over 20 years without a single day off, delivering papers. Throughout his life Bear has been collecting items he comes across—creating shrines at his E 2nd St. residence, in his vehicles, and his work station at the Statesman. 

Bear’s paper route cuts through the heart of East Austin, traversing César Chavez from I-35 to the Holly Power Plant. Regularly passing by alleyways and business districts that define everyday life, he is a steadfast witness to the transformation and gentrification of East Austin. With Happiness is a Journey, Lucas and Bresnan bring the home and works of Bear Lopez into the gallery while presenting the resilience of those who, like Bear, remain faithful and proud of their East Side roots.

Happiness is a Journey will comprise a two-channel video installation of Bear’s paper route, his sculptural relics, mixed media of Bear’s everyday life, and work created by Lucas and Bresnan. The display of Bear’s sculptures and photography in a gallery context is an opportunity to curate his pure and raw practice spanned over 40 years in the shadows of downtown Austin.  

Ivete Lucas is a film director and video artist based in Austin, Texas. She was born in Brazil and grew up in Mexico. For the past 10 years, she has been making video art and installations while co-directing films with her partner Patrick Bresnan. Their short film SKIP DAY won the Short Film Prize at The Directors Fortnight at Cannes. PAHOKEE her first feature-length premiered at Sundance. She has previously shown in Austin at Domy Books, The VAC and as part of the Drawing Lines Exhibition. 

Patrick Bresnan is a visual artist and filmmaker. He received his formal education working for notable Mission School artists Clare Rojas and Barry McGee (TWIST). He directed THE RABBIT HUNT which won over 20 festival prizes and the Cinema Eye Honor. Patrick holds a Master's degree in Sustainability from the University of Texas School of Architecture. He is currently developing a new film in Central Florida. Bresnan and Lucas are represented by Ratio 3 in San Francisco.