Gonzalo Diego Rozas Zelaya

Artist, Educator/Teacher, Entrepreneur, Idea generator, Musician, Social entrepreneur

Gonzalo Diego Rozas, born in Santiago de Chile in 1984, is an educator and multidisciplinary artist with a profound commitment to exploring the relationship between individuals and their natural surroundings through art as an integral tool. He is the founder of Obras Naturales, a corporation dedicated to this purpose. Rozas has a rich background in education, having served as a pedagogue in musical arts within both public and private educational institutions. Presently, he holds the position of a full-time teacher at Waldorf Pucon School. In addition to his work in education, Rozas is a prolific creator across various artistic domains. He has authored the visually poetry collection titled "Push Enter," which was published by Libros del Pez Espiral in 2022. Furthermore, he has showcased his musical through the release of albums such as "Cordillera de los Aires" under his name, Gonzalo Diego, in 2024, and "Piedra Mojada" between 2023 and 2024. Notably, he is also a member of the musical ensemble Boraj. As an accomplished visual artist, Rozas has exhibited his works in various settings, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the Araucania region in southern Chile. His artistic endeavors not only reflect his profound connection to the natural world but also serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and engagement within the community. Gonzalo Diego Rozas stands as a dynamic force, utilizing his talents to enrich lives and foster a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity and the environment.

Art, nature, natural sciences, good stories, being a father, being a teacher, being human.

To evidence the bond between human beings and nature as a relationship of devotion, mystery, and love, exploring it through various avenues—be they sensitive, where art can act as a catalyst; rational, with sciences and observation as their developmental path; traditional/cultural, encompassing visions inherited from past generations; and productive, where endeavors across sectors—be they in food, tourism, or technology—integrate logics and characteristics inherent to nature. These relationships bestow value and open new, enriched perspectives on the natural entities with which we coexist. We aim to provide a space to understand these relationships, from the territory of Araucania—a land abundant in nature, brimming with energy and tradition—to thereby enhance a more conscious vision of the future, one that integrates multiple perspectives regarding relationships with the territory and its people.

In 2018, I was invited to give a TEDx talk by a friend who undoubtedly saw something that I was nowhere near seeing: a robust vision regarding the relationship with art. Upon receiving this invitation, my immediate response was, "But I'm a perfect expert in nothing," to which she insisted, as she saw that I did have a compelling story to tell. As I began the application process, I told myself, "Well, if I'm going to talk about something, it should be something I truly think, feel, and find valuable to communicate." So, I presented my idea, which was well-received. The preparation process seemed to me to be the key. I received coaching to articulate my talk from members of the TEDx Inacap team, which helped me articulate a topic that is often very intellectual and delicate to address: the meaning of art. The experience was remarkable on a personal level; that talk and its process laid the foundation for founding Obras Naturales. I have been living in Araucania for 10 years, a place that inspires me as a person, artist, father, and partner. I am convinced that everyone has something remarkable to share, which is why we want to highlight these relationships between this place and the people who live here. Integrating new perspectives is a way to grow and be enriched by other points of view. I find the TEDx model to be profoundly generous and valuable, and I would love to contribute from the South of Chile so that this region can strengthen and be known to other territories.

Climbing trees, cleaning up in the kitchen, cooking many things at once, meditating.