Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Franzen.
Christian, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I am very lucky to have grown up in Southern California. There is so much creativity here; as a result, I was exposed to art at a young age. As I got older, drawing and painting became of increasing interest to me. I took art classes throughout High School and visited many local museums with my parents.
Upon graduating high school, I attended California State University, Long Beach. Initially, I was enrolled as a Graphic Design Major, but after taking an intro painting class, I immediately changed course which led to graduating with a BFA in Drawing and Painting in 2018.
Currently, I work as an artist assistant for several artists around Los Angeles and Custom Art Surfaces, an innovative stretcher bar company. I have a studio in downtown Los Angeles where I spend as much time as possible. I am always trying to work on new paintings and push myself creatively. I love making work in Los Angeles and being apart of the great artist community present.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I make paintings on canvas using acrylic paint. I enjoy working with acrylic paint because it’s the ability to be applied in a variety of different ways – from brushing to airbrush – and the capability to accelerate its’ drying time.
My work focuses on looking at connections I find linking my work in the studio to consistent muses of my everyday life, including 1970’s concert videos, sci-fi films, Northern European Renaissance painting, and objects of significance. At first, the connections between these different ideas often begin on a visual level. Then, throughout the introspective process of making, the links become much more personal as well as metaphorical. Upon completion, the works allude to motifs including faults of perception, human limitation, self-doubt, and personal desire. My work doesn’t contain an overarching message; however, I hope when people view my work they feel a sense of familiarity that is of indeterminate origin.
What do you think it takes to be successful as an artist?
I think that anybody making artwork is successful. It’s not easy to be an artist, especially if you work full-time or have any number of greater responsibilities. Anyone who makes it a point to create artwork despite the obstacles in the way is successful.
In my opinion, a positive attitude, humor, and vulnerability are all characteristics essential to having success as an artist.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can see my work on my website: christianfranzenart.com. I also highlight my work in progress and completed works on my Instagram @fran_van; there, I also post fliers for any upcoming shows where my works can be seen.
I think a great way to support anybody’s work, not just my own, is to befriend them. It’s always fun to meet other artists, talk shop with them, and build a supportive crew of like-minded people.
Contact Info:
- Website: christianfranzenart.com
- Email: christianfranzen94@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fran_van
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