Today we’d like to introduce you to El Franco Lee II.
Hi El Franco, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I initially started out drawing and painting when given the opportunity at the age of three, mainly focusing on the human figure as it was revealed to me through toys, books, television and movies. As life progressed, early grade school gave me an opportunity to gauge my artistic ability and build confidence for competitively showing work while receiving a public reaction, constructive feedback, as well as accolades through annual contest. Based off of my childhood interest and influences from comic books, also the beginnings of Hip-Hop culture, and how it brought together the relationship of fashion to professional sports, which transcended into trends for urban communities, was a rare circumstance that I had the opportunity of witnessing. Watching this evolution gave me the insight that there will be a lifetime of source material to pull from when I decided to take art seriously as a career. Never did I realize that my family political ties and affiliation with local underground subcultures would influence my work into becoming signature for Houston’s art scene and solidify my place in the fine art world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
An obstacle in my career pertained to me keeping my practice located in the city where I have hands on access, to the essence and inspiration of Houston’s unique culture or to relocate for a possible broader art world introduction, which had no guarantees. I ultimately chose to build a stable foundation in a new and growing art scene in the Bayou City, despite of what advice or recommendations that were suggested to me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I mainly work in acrylic, sometimes enamel or oil on canvas, outside of that, drawing and illustration in mixed media as well as sculpture on a small scale. My paintings are most commonly known for depicting Houston’s underground culture in the 1990’s to present day, which usually consist of images involving the late DJ Screw and surreal or montage compositions detailing his life story. I’m most proud of having the opportunity to receive a BFA and MFA both from the University of Houston, both concentrating in Studio Art: Painting, while making the full circle of teaching at Central Campus and now at UHD. What sets me apart from others is the emphasis that I put on detail in every aspect of life.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
In order to be a good leader, you must practice what you preach and lead by example.
Contact Info:
- Website: elfrancosartchives.com
Image Credits
Artist Photos by: Jimmy Castillo Artwork Photos by: Rick Wells
