Tom Franco considers himself a folk artist and his work represents images of his native Bay Area California, our shared global culture, as well as scenes of his inner life in the subtler realms of reality. His work is made of about 80% found materials including surfaces he paints on, the paint itself and both large and small items. 

Tom is the director for the Firehouse Art Collective. The Firehouse Art Collective was co-created by Tom Franco in 2004 and he became the sole director in 2008 as his on-going master work. The mission reads: “Empowering the practice of artistry for the benefit of personal and community well-being.  The main function is to provide physical spaces for artists to co-create a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration.” Over the years the collective spread across as many as six locations in the San Francisco East Bay Area in Berkeley and Oakland.  In 2021 locations will spread to Reno Nevada and Los Angeles California.

The Ice Creams consist of artists - Jillie Spillie, Rob Rao, Colin Hurley, Alan Chin, Iris Torres, Rory Terrell, Zhubin Rahbar, and Ray Oliver. 

From the Artist: 

"It is very exciting to have a show across the country and to connect with new communities of art lovers. My favorite thing to do is make a body of work with the intention of connecting with a city, I can’t wait to meet you! Tom Franco and The Ice Creams is a collaborative group of artists that create together on a regular basis. This series of sculptures, illustrations, and paintings are a compilation of new works made over a span of a year. Though there are many sub themes involved, the overarching theme is that of identity on an internal level.  This show asks the classic question of “Who Am I?”  And can equally be reflected as “Who Are You?” I explore tools and methods that move toward self empowerment and self satisfaction by opening the door of the inner eye and the intuitive spirit life.

“Who Am I” when the eyes are closed and there is no else to react to or to respond with?  

What is the inner dialogue loop that repeatedly tells the mental and emotional story of self identity?  

What masks are stripped away or what images and words are added to give the sense of self. This art show explores the practice of finding peace by tapping into self identity through family narratives, role play with power masks, meditating beyond technology, and embracing life affirming virtues. I experience that inner life is 10 times more powerful than any other identity.  This means to explore self identity can be hidden in plain sight.

Peace,

Tom Franco"

www.tomfranco.com

Instagram: @tom__franco