MOUNT VERNON – Paul Fresco, a native of the Bronx, New York, is a painter and sculptor who blends futurism, neo-expressionism, nature, android technology and the female form to create artistic works which transcend the painful events of his past.
Fresco was born with a birth defect and subsequently hospitalized at five years old, requiring 13 kidney operations. His childhood proved to be far from normal after he was given an IQ test in the 7th grade.
The test placed him at an IQ of 164, which "makes it easy to understand difficult concepts, but it blocks off many emotional experiences," Fresco said.
"I was in the hospital at this time, and began reading adult materials and medical magazines," Fresco told the Mount Vernon News. "The repeated use of ether as an anesthetic caused me to have amazingly detailed ether dreams. This experience later formed much of my art image vocabulary."
At eight years of age, Fresco moved to California with his family. During that time he experienced repeated emotional and physical abuse, resulting in "years of nightmares, hallucinations and paranoia," he said.
By combining his artistic talent with his previous experiences in the hospital on ether, Fresco has been able to produce works ranging from sculptures to canvasses.
"I use realistic forms and powerful colors and shapes in my work," he told the News. "I have been heavily influenced by the work of Dali and Picasso. I enjoy their amazing forms and colors. They went so far beyond our normal experience."
While attending art school, Fresco began to hone is skills as an artist. Most students found the school to be difficult, but Fresco found it to be easy.
"During art school, I was amazed that although our professors had much to teach, I was never aware of them selling their artwork nor showing it," he said. "On the other hand, I supported myself through the sale of my work. I always tried to have an exhibit planned or executed, often at local libraries or colleges."
Shortly afterward, Fresco moved to the Netherlands where he engrossed himself in Dutch culture, which he described as "marvelous and so open."
He eventually settled in Mount Vernon, a community where he feels welcome and safe.
"I love the old buildings here in Mount Vernon, and I think the people are much more friendly and open than either the people in Southern California or the other places I have lived," he said. "Total strangers wave 'Hello,' and everyone is really open and easy to talk to."
To this day he continues to produce beautiful artworks through his characteristically energetic and aggressive style tempered by a humility for God's creation.
