We recently connected with Francis Robateau Jr. and have shared our conversation below.

Francis , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

Change in the educational system starts when we see ourselves as collaborators in the pursuit of knowledge with students rather than from the view of a higher authoritative figure with education. I believe that our differences strengthen us, and that diversity leads to greater wisdom and compassion. I am dedicated to helping students learn using accessible methodologies to develop their art skills while understanding the value of critical development philosophies. I recognize that racism and discrimination still exist within academia and higher learning institutions, and I am committed to supporting marginalized students and create a space that is safe while pursuing their higher education.

I aspire to a more inclusive and diverse world and strive to make our work reflect that vision. Every student should feel welcomed, valued, and safe under our guidance. Respecting each other creates a learning environment where we can all grow and thrive. I understand that our words and actions carry weight and are accountable for creating a culture of respect and inclusion. My guiding principles include honesty, inclusivity, and respect. I foster interdependence and support so that my students can successfully navigate their academic careers. I believe it is my greatest responsibility is teaching students to how to think critically and foster an environment of collaboration and solidarity.

Francis , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I worked nights at Stater Brothers in order to provide from my family and ended up in an accident falling asleep at the wheel. It was that accident that made me realize I no longer wanted to be a silent worker at night that no one knows but rather I wanted to create art that tells the story of Belizean’s in Los Angeles. I am a Afro-Latinx Belizean American, multidisciplinary fine artist, a university professor and curator. I received my bachelor’s degree in art with an emphasis in printmaking and a minor in philosophy from California State Northridge University in 2020. I am a MFA graduate from Cal State Northridge 2023 and is one of the founders and current creative director for Latinx 4 Social movement. The focus of my art deals with the com-plexities of my past and current experiences of memory and self-perception through past traumas of racism, migration, and colonialism. I am navigating what it is to be multicultural Belizean American whose existence is a direct result of those traumas of slavery and colonization. I have worked for artist Wen Fang on her 2019 exhibition titled Ex/Ordinary, CSUN West Galleries in charge of public education, and community outreach. I am published in Wen Fangs exhibition art catalog critiquing her art. My artwork is featured on Curious Publishing: Pandemic Zine 2020 and exhibited in 2019 Soft Soap: Annual Student Exhibition. CSUN West Gallery, Northridge Ca. Juried by Holly Jerger lead curator of Craft Contemporary, MOAH Cedar’s, Juried Art Exhibition 2021, CSUN West Gallery, Annual Student Exhibition 2021. I was awarded the Jim Sweeter’s scholarship 2021, CSUN Arts, Council. I was awarded people’s choice for both MOAH Cedars 2022 and 2023 Juried exhibition. His work is in Museum Of Contemporary Art Lancaster collections and Cal State Northridge Arts Book Archives.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn was seeing the failure is not the end. Failure is a tool for growth and development in any career or art practice. Failure is taking risk, facing fear, and doubt within ourselves. It is only moving through failure that we make it to success if we learn to fail with grace and dignity. though out my life I had a lot of doubt within my self and my abilities. I never finished art work when I first began my path. I was crippled by the idea of failing to make great work and how others would perceive it. As I got into my Masters of Fine Arts programs my mentors told me to experiment with my work even if I came across situations where things did not go according to plan. I got into the habit of keeping any work that I believed were failures and collaged them into other pieces. This helped me to avoid getting stuck when creating. I came to an understanding that things you think are failures can grow in to more rich and complex art works and ideas in time.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Working nights full time and going to school during the day. In the beginning of going back to school I waited until my oldest was in kindergarten in order to go back to community college. I was in school from 2016 to 2023. I could not take a full schedule in the beginning so my degrees took longer to get. I understood that the decision to go back meant that I would have to forfeit my sleep and socializing. I had to pay rent make sure my child got to school, and run to school. It was definitely the hardest point in my life and I had days where I asked myself is this even worth the trouble. I remember back then I would tell myself in the moments I wanted to quit, “that every legacy involves some level of struggle and every dream takes constancy that can’t be wavered.” That thought keep me going everyday.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.francisrobateau.com
• Instagram: @francis_robateau
• Facebook: Francis Robateau
• Linkedin: Francis Robateau

Image Credits

All images can be credited to me Francis Robateau.