Vincent Villafranca

Vincent Villafranca (born January 25, 1969) is an American sculptor. He creates bronze sculptures ranging from traditional wildlife imagery to futuristic science-fiction-based imagery.

Vincent Villafranca
Born (1969-01-25) January 25, 1969
Monterey, California
Nationality American
EducationSouthwest Texas State University
Known forSculpture

Biography

Early life and education

Vincent Villafranca was born January 25, 1969 in Monterey, California[1] and spent his early years in Venezuela, Mexico and Del Rio, Texas. Even at a young age, Vincent used his unique imagination to create works of art out of common items. Vincent would paint, sketch and create small sculptures as a child. Much of his early work was influenced by television and film, particularly westerns and science-fiction films. He earned a B.A. in History from Southwest Texas State University in 1994 and apprenticed at Michael Hall's Studio Foundry during his final year of undergraduate studies.

Career

Vincent has worked extensively with David Iles of Bolivar Bronze in Bolivar, Texas.[2]

Statuette used as World Fantasy award trophy since 2016.

In 2009, Vincent created the physical bronze sculpture used as the Bradbury Award (full name "Ray Bradbury Award for Outstanding Dramatic Presentation"). This award is presented annually by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America as part of the Nebula Awards ceremony.

In 2013, Vincent designed and produced the Hugo Awards for the 71st World Science Fiction Convention.

In 2016, the new World Fantasy Award was debuted. Vincent designed the award and creates the trophies every year. The trophy is that of a leafless tree in front of a full moon and replaced the bust of H. P. Lovecraft whose rampant racism made many uncomfortable. World Fantasy decided a new award would honor the winners and Villafranca's design was chosen as the new trophy.

Marriage and children

Vincent Villafranca and Michelle Mitchell were married in Hays, Texas.[3]

Awards
  • 2006: Best 3-D Art, World Fantasy Convention, "The Poacher's Nightmare"
  • 2007: Body of Work, World Fantasy Convention
  • 2008: Chesley Award, Best 3-D Art, "A Conscious Entity & Its Maker"[4]
  • 2008: Jurors' Award, World Science Fiction Convention, "The Celestial Itinerant"
  • 2009: Chesley Award, Best 3-D Art, "Otherworldly Procession" (Bronze)[5]
  • 2010: Chesley Award, Best 3-D Art, "The Switching Hour" [6]
  • 2012: Chesley Award, Best 3-D Art, "Robo-Bike" [7]

References
  1. California Birth Index, 1905-1995
  2. "Links". Vincent Villafranca is a talented sculptor and artist and a longtime associate and employee of Bolivar Bronze.
  3. Texas Marriage Collection, 1814-1909 and 1966-2002
  4. "The Locus Index to SF Awards: 2008 Chesley Awards".
  5. "The 2009 Chesley Award Winners".
  6. "The 2010 Chesley Award Winners".
  7. "The 2012 Chesley Award Winners".
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