Today we’d like to introduce you to Francisco Gutierrez.
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?
Born and raised in the vibrant and diverse streets of Long Beach, California, I had the privilege of growing up in an inner city neighborhood near Cherry Ave and Anaheim St. Despite the challenges and adversities that surrounded me, I was fortunate to have hardworking parents who instilled in me the importance of perseverance and dedication. My father was a construction working union man and my mother cleaned homes. As a child, my artistic abilities were not immediately evident, but with the encouragement of my family and the guidance of my brother, who tragically fell victim to the gang violence and wars of the early 90s, I discovered my passion for drawing. Inspired by my upbringing and driven by a desire to overcome my circumstances, I embarked on a journey toward becoming an artist and continuing to honor my brother. Although my academic pursuits initially led me toward business administration, my heart was always drawn to the world of art. Recognizing that my true calling lay in creative expression, I made the bold decision to pursue a degree in art at Cal State Long Beach. Despite facing academic setbacks along the way, my determination remained unwavering. Drawing inspiration from my childhood filled with imagination and creativity, I persevered, never losing sight of my dream of becoming a comic book artist or animator. My current work however is very different.
Throughout the years, I remained dedicated to honing my craft, even when many of my classmates who had inspired me abandoned their artistic pursuits. The past two years have been particularly transformative for me as an artist. With relentless passion and a great work ethic, I steadily improved my skills, constantly pushing the boundaries of my artistic capabilities. This year, my hard work paid off when I had the incredible opportunity to showcase my artwork at the esteemed Long Beach Creative Group Gallery. This welcoming and supportive space for emerging and professional artists provided me with the platform to gain recognition and traction in the art community. Currently, I am very blessed to be working in Special Education teaching life skills to high school students and working as an artist.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the face of adversity, my artistic journey has been a testament to resilience and the power of art to heal. Growing up in a modest household, where providing food for four children took precedence over indulging in leisurely activities, I spent my formative years alongside my father, engaging in weekend yard work to provide for the family instead of indulging in Saturday morning cartoons. These experiences instilled in me a work ethic and a keen eye for the subtle beauty found in nature’s ever-changing colors. However, the most profound challenge I faced was the loss of my beloved older brother at the tender age of twelve. Tragically, he fell victim to the gang and race conflicts that plagued East Long Beach in the early 90s. My brother, a truly gifted artist, had dreams of making a name for himself in the art world. Devastated by his untimely departure, I set aside my own artistic pursuits, allowing grief to overshadow my passion for creativity.
It wasn’t until I stepped foot into college that the embers of my artistic flame were rekindled. Amidst my academic endeavors, a spark of inspiration ignited within me, urging me to once again embrace art’s transformative power. However, as I prepared to present my portfolio, filled with unseen hand-painted illustrations that represented my personal journey, tragedy struck once more. The portfolio, a tangible testament to my growth and aspirations, was stolen, leaving me with a sense of loss and uncertainty. In the wake of this setback, I found solace in redirecting my path toward a career in education. As I continue my artistic journey, I carry with me the memory of my brother—a beacon of inspiration and a reminder of the preciousness of life. With each brushstroke, I strive to create art that not only honors his legacy but also serves as a testament to the transformative power of creativity. Art is not merely a medium of self-expression; it is a force that unites us, bridges divides and inspires us to embrace our shared humanity.
As I tread along the art path, one obstacle persists—a lack of physical space to explore the realm of large-scale painting. The desire to delve into the grandeur of expansive canvases beckons me, yet the limitations of my current surroundings hold me back. Nevertheless, I refuse to let these constraints dampen my creative spirit. Instead, I approach this obstacle as an invitation for innovation, seeking alternative methods to manifest my vision within the limitations I face.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an artist, I engage in a diverse range of mediums, techniques and styles, allowing me to explore and express my creativity in various ways. While my primary focus is on drawing and painting using oil and acrylic paint. I have also ventured into printmaking and sculpture. This wide artistic range enables me to bring my visions to life and create artworks that are rich in depth and complexity. I take pride in my ability to work with different tools and mediums, constantly challenging myself to push the boundaries of my artistic capabilities. One of the things I specialize in is the fusion of traditional and contemporary techniques learned while at CSULB. Drawing inspiration from classical painting and traditional illustration, I incorporate time-honored methods and apply them in a contemporary context. This unique blend of old and new allows me to create artworks that resonate with both classical art enthusiasts and modern audiences. I am known for my storytelling approach, infusing my paintings with narratives and giving life to characters that have their own histories. This storytelling aspect sets me apart from others as I strive to evoke emotions and engage viewers in a deeper, more personal connection with my art.
What I am most proud of is my evolution as an artist and my commitment to continuous growth. Over the years, my style and range of artwork have evolved, and I have embraced different artistic influences and techniques. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, I have persevered and maintained a passion for my craft. This resilience and willingness to adapt have allowed me to continuously refine my skills and expand my artistic horizons. I take great pride in the progress I have made and the artworks I have created along this journey, as each piece represents a milestone in my artistic development.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Long Beach, my beloved hometown, it embodies a vibrant tapestry of diversity and a resilient, hardworking community. I am inspired by the harmonious coexistence of creative individuals from various backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and cultural richness. Witnessing the unity and collaboration among its residents fills me with a profound sense of joy and inspiration. I love Long Beach! However, as an artist, I would like to see more opportunities and platforms for local talent to showcase their work and receive the recognition they deserve. Long Beach, though a nurturing haven for creativity, could benefit from additional avenues for artists to exhibit their creations and connect with a wider audience. Furthermore, the absence of a dedicated art supply store poses a challenge, leaving artists like myself scrambling to find the materials we need to bring our visions to life. That’s my gripe about the city. Despite these minor setbacks, Long Beach’s love and support have been a constant source of encouragement, moving me forward on my artistic path.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @3d_popcorn_
