“As we try to understand the phenomena of nature by neatly labeling, dividing and categorizing,
I approach my understanding by weaving elements of science and imagination. Exploring possibilities through the language of paint, I am able to blur the lines between reality and ideas.”
~ Frank Gonzales, 2022
Frank Gonzales was born in Mesa, Arizona and grew up in Tempe. He received his BFA from Laguna College of Art and Design in 2003. His work explores ornithological subjects, organic and plant elements and color, taking reference from various sources including books, the internet and photos to comprise and create my own imagery. By creating paintings from reference and made-up elements, there becomes a play between artificiality and realism. These combined elements may seem believable within the composition, but they wouldn’t normally thrive in real life.
Spontaneity drives the process of a Gonzales’ painting, often starting with a background color or single image as a jump-off point for the rest of the composition. One image will spark another and the process takes shape from there. The various marks and color glitches mimic the uncertainty of spontaneity, highlighting the tension between visual stillness and movement.
Frank Gonzales' work is included in both private and public collections around the world including the Ampersand Boutique Hotel in London, The Orange County Children’s Hospital, and Starbucks. His work has been featured in numerous publications and Online Text including American Art Collector Magazine, Juxtapoz, Booooom, Colossal and featured on the cover of American Art Collector Magazine in 2010.