Today we’d like to introduce you to Francis Robateau.
Francis, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My family was originally from Jefferson and Adams known to locals as the jungle. My father felt the need to leave in order to focus on his sobriety. How my dad managed to move from the jungle to Sherman Oaks ill will never know because he passed away last year of stage four stomach cancer and I never asked. I do know he is proof you could make it out of gang life and circumstance with enough tenacity. I have to thank him for where I am today and the example he set. I know this interview is about how I could inspire others but in order to that, I have to start with him and how he inspired me. It is his drive that runs through my veins. He taught all of his kids that change starts with us. In order to change, you have to take the first steps even if that means you have to crawl. Even if that is a journey, you have to embark on alone. He took all of the kids to his sobriety meetings in order to teach us of the struggles people face on a daily basis. At first, I thought nothing of it but looking back, it was his way of showing us paths not take, mistakes that can be avoided appreciate the lives we have. He was far from perfect and tough on us no doubt. He was misunderstood by many, but I know he meant the best for all of his family, even if it was not reciprocated to him. I know it hurt him but it did not stop his progression. Sometimes making the right choices means losing people who do not understand those choices in the name of progression. He always said if your actions are righteous, you do not need to explain it to anybody. So thank you, Father Francis Charles Robateau Senior, far all that you have done for the community by advocating sobriety and volunteering to help people stay sober. You been sober for 31 years and if anyone deserves recognition, it is you. As for me, it has been a tough seven years. I went from a lost marriage at the time that took a toll on me to the point where I was diagnosed with panic anxiety. It was my studies in philosophy and art that shifted my focus. I never lost my desire to learn despite having to start my life over. I graduated College of the Canyons with three degrees while working nights full time. Not an easy task, but the truth is for great things to happen you have to suffer in some way shape or form. No path is easy and we can not expect it to be. Today I am blessed with a supportive partner and two beautiful girls. This is the first time in my life I understand the power of support. I spent a long time doing it on my own but I am always driven by purpose. I have been blessed to create art while finishing my bachelors at Cal State Northridge. I am looking forward to graduating in spring 2020 and pursuing my masters. The one thing I appreciate more than anything is the Los Angeles art community whom have welcomed me with open hands. I worked with Hands Up Gallery (@handsupgallery) from pop up events, exhibiting my art for the first time and volunteer work with youth in south-central. So thank you Angel and Josie for all that you do for the community and the artist of Los Angeles. This has opened me up to vend my art in many events throughout Los Angeles. Artists like Diana Flores (@eladanii), Andrea Custodio (@dreacreatess), and Ernesto Vazquez (@evillustrations323) all gave me a platform to be an entrepreneur and sell my art so I have to shout them out. Thank you all for supporting independent artists. Currently, I am on education and public relations for an exhibit put together by students of Cal State Northridge for Chinese Artist Wen Fang. The opening this December 2, 2020, to December 19. This will be her first time in America after doing many huge shows in China. You can see her work at www.wenfangart.cn. You can see the exhibition website at www.ex-ordinary-wenfang-com.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road especially the last five years. I work nights on top of my schooling while still being a parent. Last year my father died while my finals were happening. The hardest part about that was that I had to help organize his funeral according to his wishes. I was met by resistance in upholding his wishes, but I was driven by duty to my father and I found strength in that. My father preached this to me my whole life. You will be meet with resistance and struggle but never break, stand your ground when it is for the right reasons. I went back to school despite all of this to the semester strong . The next year after work, I was in a head-on collision. It was a bad accident I should have been hurt the jeep I was driving took the whole hit but if I was in any other car, it could have been my life. After the accident, I was depressed for a bit but underneath it all, I was blessed to be alive. I got a better sense of the value of life, and a greater drive to finish what I started.
Please tell us about Sinikal Social Club Illustrations.
I vend and exhibit art at local events, and my ultimate goal Is to become a college professor in printmaking. I believe art is the greatest form of communication. I want to teach that to those around me, and when I become a professor, I can mentor future artists who can possibly change the world through art. I am most proud of the fact that my art can inspire others. I have yet to build a website for now I do local shows. I announce most of my events on my Instagram profile @sinikal1
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory is rollerblading and skateboarding in North Hollywood. Most of the influence in my art comes from commercial art in skating. Rollerblading and skateboarding gave me a sense of freedom. The world was accessible and a huge playground for expression. I always looked at my skateboard and told myself my art would be on a skateboard one day. It has not happened but never say never.
Contact Info:
- Address: 36426 Sinaloa St Palmdale Ca. 93552
- Phone: 661 547 7964
- Email: [email protected].
edu - Instagram: @sinikal1
- Facebook: Francis Robateau
Image Credit:
Francis Robateau01
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