meet Ben Fronckowiak.. a triple threat of creativity

And yet again I must thank the internet gods for the ability to seek and find individuals such as Ben Fronckowiak. I don’t circulate within the worlds of art or modelling on any sort of consistent basis but I do watch out for those who create beauty in some way shape or form … possibly via multiple conveyances of self-expression, including their own innate beauty.

click image to enlarge.. ph. Mike Ruiz

Enter Ben Fronckowiak who juggles his painting, his modeling and his burgeoning film career all at the same time. Once again, the internet has allowed me to find people who know people who know me, one of which is quoted within this interview. The world has gotten much smaller but my network of creatives has grown exponentially and I want to make others aware of these creatives who might not yet be marquee names but who are well on their way.

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As you will read, Ben is fluent in the telling of his story and as I came to find to find out, he is somewhat of a prodigy being accepted to UCLA film school at age 19 from which he graduated cum laude. It is always of great interest to me to “hear” from these people, in their own words, how their lives have evolved; some on a singular path and some on multiple paths. Ben is of the latter variety;  his art is arresting and reminds me and I’m sure many others of street/ graffiti art but to me his work  also prompted a correlation to a sort of 21^st century Rouault and Bosch. His modeling career is one that might be more challenging as these days, men and women who are considered to be “conventionally beautiful or handsome” are passed over since the current trend is for barely pubescent and less than attractive millennials; the fashion world is in flux.  As for film, I cannot assess that since I have little to no experience in that field, other than by schooling.  but what gives me great confidence in a man like this is that he possesses persistence and passion for what he does and that is what artists of all kinds must own.

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So now you get to hear from my latest triple threat of talent ….. Ben Fronckowiak,  in his own words.

Jeffrey Felner: Can you tell us a little bit of how you arrived at this moment in your life story?

Ben Fronckowiak: I’ve arrived here through a lot of hard work and serendipity—I’m definitely happy to be where I am … getting recognition for what I am passionate about, but there is still a lot more work that I have to do. I graduated from UCLA Film School and that was my immersion and introduction into the world of visual arts. While there, I filmed a documentary backstage in a transsexual venue. Hearing their stories had a strong influence on my art which continues to my paintings to this day. Traveling has also played a large part at this moment in my life. I’ve lived and worked in Miami, Los Angeles, and New York while modeling, and painting. With social media, I’ve been able to share

My work in ways that would never have been possible before … combining painting, filming and modeling. I can paint a painting, take a photo with it, and film the process to create something that I think is unique. I’ve arrived here by putting myself out there and taking hold of every opportunity that comes my way—even painting murals in the street.

“Ben employs a passion for color and combinations in a way that evokes at once both tension and intrigue and  brings excitement and energy to any environment”   Michael Dawkins Interior designer, Jewelry designer and client of the artist

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JF: since you juggle multiple professions/ talents, can you tell us who your mentors or icons that have influenced you in each or just one of your endeavors and why?

BF: Film directors are huge influences for me, especially the ones who started as painters. My goal is to direct films. I’m particularly influenced by David Lynch, Tim Burton, and Guillermo Del Toro because they can take their characters and give them life not only on canvas, but in the moving image.

JF: If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would they be and why?

BF: Picasso, Pedro Almodovar, Frida Kahlo,  Einstein and Nelson Mandella.

I’d invite them because they are major influences for me. Picasso as he’s completely mastered his craft of painting, Almodovar because I think he’s a genius director, Kahlo as she too creates work that is raw and vulnerable, Einstein as I’d like to hear him talk about theories of the universe, and Mandella because he’s been through so much hardship to be where he is today.

JF: If you could choose any project or collaboration what or who would it be with and why?

BF: I would like to pair up with another director and create a film with my characters—i.e. a Guillermo Del Toro inspired film with my art. This and pairing up with a major fashion label to have my designs appear on clothing … Louis Vuitton, Gucci (these are big dreams).

JF: Since all of your talents seem to focus on the visual, can you speak to the changing “eye” of the beholders or even your own mindset when it comes to what you are looking to achieve?

BF: I’m always looking to achieve something which has been extracted from my life experiences. When I first started painting, themes were based heavily on relationships and trying to understand them … the mysteries of attraction and love. Right now, I’m sponsored by a resort in Pennsylvania to create new work while being their resident artist. My work is more influenced by life and death, and struggles to understand our position in this world … how fragile our minds can be and how malleable we are. I’m always listening to what is happening in my life, what it’s trying to tell me, and then aim to convey that through my work.

**********FOLLOW HIM @*******************************

www.facebook.com/benjamin.paul.9210  OR    www.instagram.com/benfronckowiak  OR

www.instagram.com/benfgraphic

meet the maverick model .. Brad Welling

It may sound trite to say that I “caught up” with anyone for lunch (at Maialino) but when someone is seemingly a moving target that’s exactly what happens. This man is a virtuoso or possibly akin to a gold medaled Olympian when it comes to time management as he juggles one full time profession, one part time profession and a very active private life so with that being said, yes the moving the target was pinned down to a date and a time to have a bite and a chat which resulted in this interview. It might be noted here that there is no facet of his life that is treated fractionally or in other words there is no either or; all aspects are treated with equal import.

art by Marc-Antoine Coulon..click image to enlarge

The man is in possession of matinee idol looks, a swoon worthy presence and the access to a skill set that includes a boundless reservoir of charm that could easily charm the white off of rice and that’s no exaggeration or hyperbole. This is no empty headed wannabe model but a man of distinguished credentials who has a personal mission/challenge that belies his education and profession. In certain circles Brad would be looked upon as an iconoclast or possibly a renaissance man.

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In some odd twist of fate, our paths crossed and since that time, he inspires, provokes, impresses and is an endless source of amazement to this seasoned fashionphile. Mr. W is just this rare bird who wants in on the business of fashion by choice as he really doesn’t have to be involved in this messy world. This is his personal mission, his quest and eventually it will be another success for this much accomplished gentleman.

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And so without any further blathering on from me, here is Brad W in his own words speaking about a topic of which he is intimately familiar with and can speak to without equivocation: Brad W.

Jeffrey Felner: Can you speak to the dichotomy between your everyday professional life vs. your aspirational profession?

Brad W: In my professional life, I play many different roles--advocate, influencer, cajoler, ambassador, or diplomat depending upon the circumstances and need of the client.  Because of the types of people I routinely interact with almost daily – ambassadors, diplomats, corporate executives, government ministers—I personally always try to fly below the radar, in other words, never attracting unwanted scrutiny or attention to myself or the client.

Similarly, as a model, I am capable of playing many different roles and looks—business executive, husband, rascal, lover, sports figure or handsome father depending upon who the designer or product is at the time of the assignment.  However, in these roles I welcome as much media scrutiny and attention to my image that can possibly be brought to help sell the designer or product.

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JF: Where do you see Brad W in 5 years?

BW: Life is pretty good right now.  However, never wanting to become stagnant or complacent, I see myself continuing to plod along to achieve my goals just as I am doing now as a lawyer and model.  I would like though to be able to look back five years from now with satisfaction to the number of times I have appeared in some of the world’s greatest international fashion magazines.

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JF: If you could invite any 5 people to dinner, who would they be and why?

BW: Well, my dinner party would actually be an informal affair where I would cook several courses to last for a long evening of discourse and storytelling.  Without question, King Felipe VI of Spain is top of my list.  I sat down for a breakfast discussion with King Felipe late last year and, besides being impeccably dressed, I was so moved as he spoke passionately about the need to solve Spain’s chronically high youth unemployment rate.  I would next invite Henry Kissinger, whose commentary on China—a country I have visited more than any other country--remains timely and prescient.  Strong and intelligent women have always played a key role in my life and so I would want Mathilde Krim at my table.  I would love to listen to her stories about her struggles and lifelong commitment to advance human rights, gay rights, and medical research.  To liven up the conversation, I would invite Richard Branson whom I have never met, but his persona (and brand he represents) seems surely to liven up any dinner conversation.  Finally, I would invite a dear friend of mine at the Atlantic Council, Jessica Ashooh, who is one of the most beautiful and brilliant young women I have ever met.  She will probably become U.S. Secretary of State if not President of the United States one day.

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JF: If you could rewrite your life path what would you have changed and why or can you just speak to the path you are on?

BW: I would not change a thing!  I wake up each day saying “Today is a great day; what can I do to make my mark?”  I know that seems terribly trite, but it is true.  I am very optimistic and happy by nature.

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JF: What was the best advice you ever received and from whom and why?

BW: Shortly after I graduated from law school, my mother told me not to get distracted by momentary pleasures.  Keep working toward your goal and eventually you will be in a position to look back on your life without regrets.  So far, her advice has proven true.

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JF: Can you tell us what has been the best day of your life thus far and why as well as what do you think could be the best day of your life in the future?

BW: Without question, the best day in my entire life was February 18, 2012, the day I arrived at a rural hospital in the Midwest of the United States to see for the first time the infant girl I was to adopt as my own child.  The best day of my life in the future will be at her wedding when she marries a woman or man of her choice.

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