Francisco deSena – An Artist Born from a Homeland Left Behind | ArtSHIFTING
Francisco deSena – An Artist Born from a Homeland Left Behind
Francisco de Sena
Fransicsco deSena was born in Praia, Cabo Verde, a set of ten small Islands off the western coast of Africa. He moved to Portugal as a young boy and attended school there until moving to the east coast of the United States. He has recently moved to California and divides his time between his work and fatherhood.
[ArtSHIFTING] How do you work?
[Francisco] There are always one hundred steps before I can really sit down to create. When I do start the creative process all of the initial steps to a single piece are worked out inside my head to the greatest accuracy possible. The execution of the work is where the Art is actually made… in the unpredictability of material and the license of artistic freedom. My art revolves around the idea that art is never lost but instead transformed constantly in the process of creating it.
[ArtSHIFTING] What’s integral to the work of an artist?
[Francisco] The most integral part of the any artists work is time itself. An artist can only create his or her art inside that allotted time span between life and death. This is the reason why art continues to stay vital whit-in the human experience. It (art) is an act that cant be duplicated. All experience of life becomes the subconscious motivation for the artists creation. All this visual information becomes transposed into an expression of that experience. A waste of labor would be to create in the vacuum of someone else’s experience. Creativity is therefore explored with all the senses during this time, leaving behind the Art for others to see.
[ArtSHIFTING]What role does the artist have in society?
Francisco deSena - "Endscape", Arm Factory (Portland Maine), Medium density fibreboard, 2007
[Francisco] The artist role in society is to educate the public on new ways of looking at Art. With new technologies constantly changing our lives and effecting the way we see ourselves, Art itself, as we know it and how we experience it, is in constant need of affirmation. So, the Artists role is to make it easier for others to recognize the inherit beauty in the new visual experience that technology can make possible, by making it more accessible to others. Because of this I think most Art today is mixed media by definition.
[ArtSHIFTING] What has been a seminal experience for you?
[Francisco] When I left the small Island I was born in I had an unforgettable experience. I was young but I can still remember today having the overwhelming feeling of longing for that place before I had even left. The experience was compounded by the events that took place while all of this was orchestrated. We were Island hopping at night in the middle of the Atlantic, about 480 miles off the coast of west Africa when it happened. The reflection of the moon on the darkened, heavy and agitated water will never leave my mind. I began to feel the power of nature at that time, the beauty and the weight of my existence. I was finally awake! Conscious! I felt I had just come into the world. As my mind filled with preoccupation about who I was, where I was going, and if I would ever get there. Every time I reflect on this memory I think of it as the point in my life when I started to see in the artistic sense. The themes in my art are nestled somehow in this one single experience.
Francisco deSena - "Endscape", Arm Factory (Portland Maine), Medium density fibreboard, 2007
[ArtSHIFTING] What art do you most identify with?
[Francisco] I identify with most Art. To me Art is something that against all will can not be thrown away. This includes all of the mental process of letting go of something meaningful.It’s hard to do. Unlike some kind of rudimentary object, Art becomes powerful in our lives with the ability to resonate with our emotions. It becomes powerful for different reasons but never looses that power if someone recognizes it and feeds in to its power. We build museums and house them because they are part of us and we part of them.
[ArtSHIFTING] What themes do you pursue?
[Francisco]I usually persue themes of opposites… I guess. I have never given it much thought. Like I said before, there is a language in development, but I think it relies heavily on the juxtaposition of objects. Again, in part of educating others to see your work, its easier to tell a story of opposite attractions. To leave more questions than answers is somewhat more intriguing than telling the viewer exactly what he or she is looking at.
Francisco deSena - "Endscape", Arm Factory (Portland Maine), Medium density fibreboard, 2007
[ArtSHIFTING] Enscape is a really fascinating project. Can you tell us more about it?
[Francisco] Endscape was an Installation created for show in conjunction with a group in Portland, Maine called Evolve2advance. I worked extensively with E2A in the years I lived in Portland. The Ideas of the group reflected some of my own ideals on politics, social justice and above all, art as a learning tool to better the community. Ensdcape was created in one of our country’s most politically tumultuous times: the Bush years. The period that followed the re-election of Bush was a particularly dark period for many of us. Financially corrupted and over-zealous, our government became a source of disappointment and shame to us, and to the rest of the globe. This was a view that I shared emphatically with my peers at the time. The atrocities of Abu Ghraib left me utterly stunned at the willful capacity of human beings to inflict true pain and horror on others in the name of Democracy. What I once thought of as an unthinkable evil I had only seen in historic pictures of the two World Wars, became real to me in the images and footage from the “War on Terror”, and held a sense of gravity I had not perviously felt. I remember a friend saying to me at the time, “All things will be different after this”.
Francisco deSena - "Endscape", Arm Factory (Portland Maine), Medium density fibreboard, 2007
Francisco deSena - "Endscape", Arm Factory (Portland Maine), Medium density fibreboard, 2007
31 Responses to Francisco deSena – An Artist Born from a Homeland Left Behind
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Loide deSena says:
Nice job, little brother. Keep up the good work. Love & miss you
Loide
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annE says:
I really enjoyed reading about Fran and his work. I appreciated this article because it explained to be the artist’s process, their thinking, and even the insecurities of being an artist. I think this will help me teach my students that they aren’t alone. I am going to try to work this in as a teaching tool in my classroom. I pulled some great quotes from Fran’s interview. I look forward to reading and learning more from this blog. Thanks for this! Keep it going…
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Ashly says:
After reading this article the artist to me seems very down to earth and stays close to his roots. As the artist says he wondered if his viewers would see his vision he was trying to express. I find this key to being an artist, you always want to have the question “Will my viwers understand my vision in this piece?” It nice to see that this artist tells us that. It can mean a lot to the viewer. I like the work that was shown in the article and to me seems like he has a good line of artwork. Keep up the great work!
-Ashly
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Nair(Lilia)Fontes says:
Hi Fran, great job you always had great talent just like your grandfather did. I was glad to see some of your talent when we was younger. Miss you and God Bless you.
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Elise Sullivan says:
I found this article to be very interesting to read. To leave your homeland behind, and having such vivid memories of it could only be difficult I can imagine. Reading Francisco deSena’s story was uplifting and informative. What I found to be the most interesting was his answer to the question “What role does the artist have in society?” Francisco’s answer was very intriguing as it stated the artist’s role was to educate the public on new ways of looking at art. As being apart of the public, it is nice knowing the artists do think about the public eye compared to the artists. By the answers Francisco gave, it seems like he is a very personably guy with stories, love, passion for what he does. Great article!
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Sama Taku says:
I t was good to read about Francisco I got to see what it is like to be an artist. I can use this in many aspects of my own life. It also is nice that he stays close to his roots. The artworks that were placed on the page were beautiful pieces as well. I feel like he is connecting with his audience after reading this story on Francisco deSena.
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Christina says:
I think this article was very interesting to read! It was really awesome reading things that an artist wrote, and he even tells us the insecurities and worries of an artist. Personally, I didn’t think artists were ever worried about things like this. This quote “My art revolves around the idea that art is never lost but instead transformed constantly in the process of creating it” really explains it all. That’s something I never thought of it this way. Francisco seems like a very strong willed person, this is inspiring.
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Dora A says:
Francisco,
Your art is very enlightening and interesting. I found your words about art to somehow relate to us as we move thru the journey called life. “art is never lost but instead transformed constantly in the process of creating it” and “would we ever get there” these words along with your art hit the emotional part of my life and how we are always somehow being transformed and wondering if we will ever get to our destination. When I look at some of your art I wonder if it’s inspired by the Asian or Indian types of art. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
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I found this article very amusing. I am currently a student at Santa Rosa Junior College and am taking art for the first time. I have gained a new amount of respect and fondness for art. I have been to my school art gallery and spent lots of time in there looking at all the different types of work my fellow colleagues have done. I had never looked at art the way I do now. I find it beautiful and peaceful art is creative and has meaning all over. I am so happy I enrolled in my art class I now have a new respect for artwork and am proud to say so. Great job with all you have done. Keep up the great work and I will be sure to look for your work.
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I really enjoyed reading about Francisco, his life and they way he looks at art. I feel like he was taking words right out of my mouth when ArtShifting asked, “what role does the artist have in society?” Francisco is right, the artist role is to educate the public of new ways of looking at art. Art is ever changing, and there are so many different interpretations of pieces. Wow! I cannot even imagine being so young and Island hopping, moving to a new place like that! What an experience. His artwork is very tranquil, and peaceful. It is has such soft lines, and is open to interpretation. Francisco’s interview has such amazing statements, so motivational and thought provoking. I really enjoyed reading about him and what he has overcame to produce such amazing works of art.
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Jordan says:
I enjoyed reading this interview and article because it really showcased who Fran is as an artist and person. It described his struggle and process with determining if people will understand his pieces. I believe every artist struggles with this insecurity and it was interesting to read about. He shows qualities that tell me he will have a great career ahead.
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Natalie Rogers says:
Hi Francisco, I think that your work is appealing, unique and inspiring. It is interesting getting a view into the mind of an artist. How one thinks and gets the motivation for their art work. As you stated in the first couple of paragraphs, your art comes from motivation that you receives throughout your life experiences and it would be a waste to create something from another person’s experience. That said I appreciate how you do not allow fear of the opinions of the audience to distract your art work and personal expression. Despite how nervous you were about your work, you still moved forward and continued your vision. I can understand how uncomfortable it is to worry about how others will perceive your work, but keep in mind that this is your personal language expressed through your art and one can either try to understand it or move on. I think that wondering about other people’s opinion is part of being an artist. It probably won’t ever go away. Having the ability to not allow the fear to get in the way is powerful and says a lot about your work and your personality.
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Diane Lopez says:
I am currently enrolled in an Art class at the SRJC and I really enjoyed reading about how much thought, feeling and emotion you put into your work. I always knew that played a big part of an artist but as the viewer, I gravitate toward art that make me feel a certain way by looking at artwork. Do you ever create art based on another persons feelings or emotion about a certain subject, circumstance, or situation in their life or does it have to come strictly from your own experience. I’m so interested in how artists get their drive and enthusiasm for what they do. It’s seem so feelings based.
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Lauren C says:
I really enjoyed reading this article because it gave me a sense of what kind of person he is. He seems very intelligent and like Ashly said, he seems down to earth. I also liked how the artist expressed that he does have some insecurities, but he doesn’t let those get in the way. I enjoyed reading his experience when he saw “the reflection of the moon on the darkened, heavy and agitated water…” because I could totally picture that moment. Also, his artwork, from what I seen in this article, is very unique and he seems like he has some amazing pieces of work. This was a great article!
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Zack says:
He is an amazing artist and I loved his work. It put me in a great mood and the way deSena spoke to the viewers made it that much more interesting.I like how he can make something out of nothing.
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Karvin says:
Francisco had a rough life. I know he is a inspiration to his homeland because of what he been through and how he managed to be at the point of life of where he is now. I like the way he explained all of the critique of his art. I wonder how and where did he get the still to do this type of art called “Endscape” if he was traveling to other places. I am amazed by the this art, it is so different from everything else and its kind of hard to make out what is in it by looking at it quickly you have to really go deep into the art. I hope to see his art in the future at a museum not just by him but other artist too.
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Verenise says:
After reading this article i feel that it helps me understand art along with artist better and where they get the ideas of what they make with art. I always though art was just about the easiest thing to do but it really takes a lot of effort depending on the artists life like Francisco deSena and the big change of homeland he did.
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I feel that this article helps me understand art along with artist better and where they get the ideas of what they make with art. I always though art was just about the easiest thing to do but it really takes a lot of effort depending on the artists life like Francisco deSena and the big change of homeland he did.
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Angelica says:
I enjoyed reading this article on Francisco’s mindset. He represented himself as a passionate and self-motivated artist. I like when he says, “The artist role in society is to educate the public on new ways of looking at Art.” This is very true and in fact many artists today come up with new ways to represent their artwork so that it’s unique and different in their own way. Art is a way of expression and experience that motivates the artist to create. He did a fantastic job with his “Endscape” artwork.
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Breann says:
I find this artist to be very interesting and fresh. I really enjoyed reading about him. As soom as I saw him I wanted to choose him to read about. He looked younger than most artist and I felt i could relate more to him. His pieces are very moving and keep me so interested. It looks like he really gets his inperation from all around and I really enjoyed looking at his art. Not only is his art great but he also has a lot of creat inspiring things to say. Keep it up!!
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Cameron says:
After reading this article I see how down to earth deSena is. He tried to spread art with all the new technology and it interests me. He is great for trying to have a message and trying to have the viewer see that message. There is alot of great artwork in this article. Great job!
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Noah McGahon says:
I just read that entire interview and I’m glad I did. Francisco is the kind of artist I can relate with! There’s a quote in there that really resonated with me personally: “The artists role in society is to educate the public on new ways of looking at Art. With new technologies constantly changing our lives and effecting the way we see ourselves, Art itself, as we know it and how we experience it, is in constant need of affirmation” This is a profound thing to say, and should be more recognized by the art community. His Endscape project is amazing and shows DeSena’s tenacity towards his work. It must have taken months to create it and he succeeded. A great South American artist!
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johnathan says:
when i got done reading this article i have to the conclusion that the artist is a very cool person. i like most of his art work. his out look on life is very down to earth and you can tell that from his works of art. his work can stand for a lot depends on who’s looking at it and how they feel. i really enjoyed reading this article because i now have an idea of how artist think.
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Helen says:
It was nice to see the realtions that Francisco had in his artwork. The second guessing of his art piece seems so natural when it comes to art. I enjoyed learning his background from the source of his own artwork.
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Michael says:
“My art revolves around the idea that art is never lost but instead transformed constantly in the process of creating it.”
Very inspirational and true. Allowed a better insight to your work. -
Marcos says:
I enjoyed reading this article. I like that the artist uses personal experiences to express his art work. I like how he uses his work to motivate others as well as to educate. The simple fact of moving from country to country must of inspired him to be more down to earth and see the world different. Good job!
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AE says:
I liked this article because it actually talk about how the writer thinks when they are making a piece. I like when he says “Art is something that against all will can not be thrown away.” This statement is powerful because art is something that defines us and has been with us since the beginning of time. There is no possible way we can throw away a such a treasure. Very smart and inspiring artist!
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sara says:
i feel like the artist really expressed himself a lot. He always wandered if the audience really saw who he was or if anyone was getting any explanations from him. As a artist i feel like you should always question your art and see what kind of reaction you are receiving from the outside view. Even if you are not receiving what you want to hear it is always good to receive feed back from people who love you art, and as a n artist this is a good characteristic to have. This man left is homeland to pursue what he love an its art , so i got go give it to him.
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Laura C says:
After reading the article the young man Francisco deSena seems to be a very “normal” man that we think. He seems to be down to earth and know what he really wants with his future. I love the way he thinks. As Francisco says he thinks as art is never lost but instead transformed constantly in the process of creating it. I just love that. I really never taught of that in till i read this. Something Francisco is absolutely right. The art is never lost but its in a way where we can see it and relieve it with each person that gets in contact with it. I believe art will never be lost if we keep it in ourselves with each different thing. Art is not just a painting it goes beyond that.
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Iris says:
When i read this article I was very intrigued. Its wonderful to me when the artist kind of stick to where they’ve came from and what they know. He seems to care of what the viewers see or don’t see in his art. You can kinda tell that he could be very calm or down to earth by his art. Very mellow. I’d say keep doing what your doing Fransicsco!
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