10 Questions w/ Franceska Gamez
Photo by Jenny Yarmolyuk
1. Where were u born? Current city or region?
Quezon City, Philippines.
2. Who is the artist or artwork that inspired you to do your first piece on a wall/canvas?
I owe a lot to my older siblings, they were the ones who introduced me to art. Although they wouldn’t consider themselves creative- art-making was always present in our household. I also grew up in the bay area so there was a ton of inspiration all around. I did my first canvas painting in middle school, but I definitely drew a ton before that.
A Group show curated by Franceska at 1810 Gallery which she co-founded.
3. How many yrs have u been painting ?
I’ve been making art for over 20 years, I started painting murals about 8 years ago.
Photo by Kevin Fiscus
4. What do folks know u for art wise?
Murals that are rooted in storytelling. Sculptures of faces with their eyes shrouded by delicate flowers and weird growths.
5. What’s something people often don’t see or understand about your work?
Art is such a powerful tool. I’ve always been more introverted so art has been a way for me to communicate things that I have trouble putting words to. Its much like meditation. Sometimes I extend that meditation out into a prayer for someone or a cause I believe in. It feels like alchemy, being able to create something tangible out of a simple vision. When I create, it feels like I’m weaving my thoughts and prayers into the piece.
Metamorphis mural w/ Shaun Burner, Vyal One, Kekoa, and Thi
“When I create, it feels like I’m weaving my thoughts and prayers into the piece.”
-Franceska Gamez
6. Whats your medium of choice? What’s something new you’d like to try in a different medium?
I mostly paint with acrylic & spray paint, but I also love to dabble in everything. With sculpture, I use a lot of mixed media like wood, cut paper, polymer clay, cement, & found objects. I really want to explore bronze.
7. Song that gets you ready to work? Song that chills you out?
“DNA” by Kendrick Lamar gets me hyped. “Stronger” by Raveena makes me dramatic, but chill.
Collab w/ Shaun Burner for Art Street in Sacramento
8. As an artist in the game what advice do u give to younger artists in terms of biz, health, relationships, or creativity?
When it comes to business, don’t be afraid to ask/search for guidance. Collaborate with your homies and other dope artists. Don’t sell yourself short. Have faith in the value of your work and don’t be afraid to ask for it. Get ahead of your taxes, its really not as bad as it seems, you’d be surprised what you can deduct. Practice your craft often, keep experimenting & continue exploring other mediums. Wear protection! Artists work with all sorts of hazardous chemicals- when needed, wear gloves, wear respirators & make sure you’re getting fresh air. Eat your vegetables!
9. What’s a social justice or political issue people need to pay more attention to?
The Lumad, indigenous people of Mindanao in the southern region of the Philippines, have been under attack for years. The Lumad are stewards of resource-rich land and because of it, the Philippine government and corporations have waged a war on the people, in order to mine and develop the land. Militarized communities have forcibly displaced tens of thousands of Lumads. With full authority from the Philippine government, their land is being siphoned of its resources. People have been murdered and children have been kidnapped. Their community infrastructures, schools, clinics, farms have been destroyed. Follow https://www.liyangnetwork.org/ to learn more about how you can help.
10. What’s something you’re really proud of accomplishing recently?
Over the last two years, Shaun Burner and I have led a mural project along one of the main gateways into Downtown Sacramento - North 12th Street. It's a series of murals illustrating the metamorphosis of a butterfly, and working hands that tell the stories of the communities and cultures that contributed to what we know as the River District today. We’re just about 70% done with the project. With TYS, we’ve painted four walls, including two sides of a 500 ft underpass.
Metamorphis series w/ Shaun Burner
To support Franceska Gamez’s work check out her shop here, her website. and follow her on Instagram here.
And if you missed the previous interview w/ a TYS member check out 10 Questions w/ Thitiwat.
Asian American Women Arts Association mural collab w/ Erin Yoshi & Cece Carpio