We've been fortunate to have a few firsts on SiDEBAR and today's episode is no exception. Francis Vallejo is still technically a student at Ringling, but shows such incredible promise, we invited him on for a chat.
He's a painter with a penchant for oils and he sights some pretty heavy weight influences: Norman Rockwell, Ilya Repin, Nicolai Fechin, Dean Cornwell, James Jean. We can't argue with his taste—at all!
Francis came to our attention like so many others do. People started singing his praises and his name began popping up everywhere. We visited his site and after snooping a bit, we too, joined the chorus! This young man has skill and vision beyond his years.
In our talk with him, he discusses his old stomping grounds in Detroit, his intense love of art and Hip Hop, a superstar teacher and mentor of his, George Pratt, and recent projects he's contributed to like Totoro and Microvisions.
Graduation is in May, but before he jumps right into the professional ranks, looks like Vallejo will be studying abroad for a while—in Saint-Petersburg, Russia at the Repin Academy (wow, do your thing, sir)!
We wish Francis the absolute best over in Saint-Pete and in all of his future endeavors. He's a cool kid who's star is certainly on the rise.
**For this episode, we played snippets of the following songs: Lupe Fiasco's Superstar, Dead Prez' Hip Hop, Eminem's Stan, Kanye West's Through the Wire, Beanie Siegel's Rock the Mic and Ch-Check It Out by The Beastie Boys.
Click here to download the show.
This guy constantly impresses.
(Dwight re: Thanks for the comment, Irene, we agree 100%!)
Posted by: Irene | May 01, 2009 at 07:48
That's our boy!
Posted by: Dusitn d'Arnault | May 04, 2009 at 12:56
Glad to see a fellow Ringling peer makin' it big. Big ups to FV.
(Swain re: Big ups, indeed!)
Posted by: Alejandro Gonzalez | May 08, 2009 at 16:57
You are awesome Francis, we are proud of you bro!
Posted by: sarah watts | May 20, 2009 at 08:40
This guy is amazing. I am extremely lucky to have Francis as my Studio Leader. He's a great guy and just brings out the best in everyone. When I grow up, I want to be just like you. haha
Posted by: Evan Norman | October 10, 2010 at 23:30