Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Venadas @headcaseart.
Frank, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I have been drawing all my life as long as I can remember. When I was seven years old, my family moved from the Philippines to America. On the plane ride to our new home, I came across the preview for Star Wars. My imagination blew up from there. Darth Vader was scary but also intriguing. As a child, I was inspired by the visuals from animation, anime, superhero comics, music like heavy metal and punk rock and movies like sci-fi.
When we arrived in America, to learn a new language, my Uncle gave me books with cartoon characters. But Instead of just learning how to read, I drew my characters alongside those in the book. In fourth grade, my love of drawing persisted, and I was fortunate enough to gain admission to the Fine Arts Conservatory at Cal State. I was granted free art classes on Saturdays all the way from fourth grade to senior year in high school. When I graduated high school and went to college, I was already ahead with artistic skills which significantly helped unlock deeper understanding towards self-expression. When I attended college, I realized what I loved the most and found myself going back to my childhood roots for inspiration. This is really where I began to explore my artistic self-expression.
During that time, when I was in grade school learning, I was very much into heavy metal music my favorite band Iron Maiden – the artist Derek Riggs illustrations was one of my inspirations. He inspired me to draw in style reminiscent of heavy metal art. My favorite animated movies at the time were Frank Frazetta’s FIRE AND ICE, ROCK N RULE, FANTASTIC PLANET, & HEAVY METAL. Alongside animated shows like Robotech, Voltron, Masters of the Universe, Thundercats… that continue to inspire me today. Loving music and art suit the style.
Since then I have worked professionally for 20+ years in all forms of art: drawing & painting, illustration, sculpture, and graphic design as well as
being a songwriter/musician.
I am at a point where I am full circle and know what makes me satisfied as an artist regarding expression. I continue to explore all the things I have learned along with what I love. I like to be spontaneous, structured and abstract and allow emotion to determine results.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
My visual art in the form of painting, drawing, graphic design or sculpting, is created across various canvases from pencil to digital. My art often showcases character faces and heads. The whole idea and energy behind it is FUN. I need to feel like I am playing with toys. Like I’m trying to make toys in my head, and I’m using art to draw instead of molding. I am like a toymaker but through painting. I want people to connect with whatever faces they come across that they feel a kinship towards. I want them to feel like they are having fun discovering faces across the landscape.
Each day is different as an artist. There is a constant battle between two mediums of art and music, both equally expressive. I find music to be more instantly gratifying while art is more of gradual long-term satisfaction and process. Both can be achieved, but my emotional circumstances drive me to the particular medium. Music is a quick uplifting vehicle, and when I feel more clear, the art is my platform.
The sterotype of a starving artist scares away many potentially talented artists from pursuing art – any advice or thoughts about how to deal with the financial concerns an aspiring artist might be concerned about?
Find what I like to call ready-made surfaces like old wood. A lot is being thrown away every day that you can turn into an art piece. It is cost efficient to carry a sketchbook or use your iPhone at all times. Do at least one thing a day that pertains to your passion or goal. Always push yourself to try to get into art shows, pop up art shows and push yourself to do live art – it is such a good way to interact and push yourself to create more artwork in a timely manner. Become a part of art groups and draw together. Collaborate with other artists! If you are interested in collaborating with me, please connect!
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can follow me on Instagram under @headcaseart and will keep posting any upcoming shows. They can support by following me, leave me a comment and they can support me by purchasing artwork. Commission me to do a private project! I am interested in designing and creating portraits, murals, branding, shirts, custom greeting cards, coasters and any other items you would like.
Contact Info:
- Email: frankvenadas@gmail.com
- Instagram: @headcaseart
- Facebook: facebook.com/FrankVenadasArt
Image Credit:
Artist Picture taken at
Wacko Soap Plant – La Luz de Jesus Gallery – Hollywood Boulevard
Mural artist (unknown)
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