Today we’d like to introduce you to Castro Frank.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Being raised in a neighborhood where gang life, dealing and death were the options you had, it wasn’t hard to make the wrong choice. Luckily, that wasn’t the case for me. My childhood friends were into drawing, BBOYin (breakdancing) and an older cousin of mine was a graffiti artist. All of that exposure to different art forms influenced me to use graffiti as my artistic expression at a young age. Unfortunately, at that time Graffitti was scrutinized and not accepted as a legitimate art form because it was mostly illegal. But thankfully, it kept me on the creative path that eventually led me to photography, and that truly changed my life.
I’d say photography was something that felt natural to me. For years I was drawn to all sorts of people and their stories. It didn’t matter if I was shooting a prostitute, a street performer or a crack addict, it was about the love for another human and the connection that often reminded me of where I came from. I have felt deeply connected to the streets since a young age and to people from all walks of life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges of being an independent artist is that there is no roadmap on becoming a successful artist. You learn and take risks as you go and hope to one day get your art into gallery and seen by collectors. It’s not a traditional ladder like you find with most corporate jobs but simultaneously exciting and very rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a visual artist who mainly focuses in photography. Most of my work is influenced by my personal experiences growing up in the San Fernando Valley. Alongside my experiences, the people I’ve met throughout my life are what allow me to appreciate the beauty in the world and has taught me to create art through captured moments that reveal the overlooked details of everyday life.
I’ve had my share of success. From having a solo show to being collected by one of the biggest art collectors in the world. I don’t pat myself on the back often but reflecting on this question, I don’t credit myself enough. I’m proud of the work I have produced and the places my work has taken me to.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something many people don’t know is that one of my first big breaks was when CBS purchased 15 photographs for their hit TV series titled “Vegas”. This opportunity opened many doors for me including FOX buying some of my work for their TV show titled “Rake”. Also, my work has been collected by the founder and owner of the Jumex Museum located in Mexico City, Mexico.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.castrofrank.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetcastrofrank/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Meet-Castro-Frank-145563225515173
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/meetcastrofrank
Image Credits
All photographs by Castro Frank
