Mar 24, 2008 9:50 pm US/Pacific
Bay Area Artist Recalls Inspiration For 'Homies'
RICHMOND (CBS 5) ―
Selling thumb-sized figurines of Latino characters, Bay Area artist David Gonzales has gone from barrio to bubblegum riches over the last decade. The figurines he created, called "Homies," are an international sensation. He has sold more than 120 million of them worldwide.
Very popular in Latino neighborhoods, Homies are often sold in gumball machines for a quarter. Characters such as Smiley, Sapo, Loco and Droopy were an instant hit when they debuted in 1997.
Nowadays, One of Gonzales's most popular characters happens to be modeled after his own brother Robert, now better known by his "Homie" name of "El Padrecito."
A relationship fueled by brotherly love, timely counseling, and relentless drive has combined to inspire hundreds of young people worldwide.
Early critics accused Gonzales' Homies of glorifying gangs and reinforcing negative stereotypes because of the characters' urban attire. But Gonzales said the characters are just regular folks. Some were inspired by Gonzales' own childhood in Richmond and nearby San Pablo.
"I liken it sometimes to Norman Rockwell," said Gonzales. "He painted the heartland, Mid-America. The people he saw in everyday life. I'm drawing what I see out there."
While David was a young, struggling artist, he had to help his brother through a rough patch. Robert was a tough teenager who liked to drink. He lost his leg in a gang fight. David and the rest of the family nursed him through and later looked on with pride as Robert was ordained as Father Masseo; a Franciscan priest.
Years later, Father Masseo would return a favor. He counseled David on how to respond to the criticism of the Homies.
Soon, David diversified his collection to dozens of characters. "Willie G" is a wheelchair bound fellow who was wounded in a shooting. There's a soldier serving in Iraq, a journalist, and "El Padrecito" - the little father - inspired by the real-life Father Masseo.
David recently sold his brother all the rights to El Padrecito for a dollar. An online ministry was born. El Padrecito-dot-com has had millions of visitors; 20 thousand members. Young people write emails to a cartoon character. They get back solid advice.
"You have somebody who grew up in the streets," said Father Masseo. "A high school dropout who got involved in a gang fight; who lost his leg at the age of 19; who used to be a boxer; who's real."
"El Padrecito" now lives in Reno. But about once every 2 months, he comes back to San Pablo where he mentors kids face-to face.
The group, called "Hiz-Kidz," perform original songs at various events around the Bay Area. They keep occupied and out of trouble.
Perhaps most importantly to the Gonzales's, they are a living legacy of the two brothers who found strength in family, and greatness beyond the boundaries of the barrio.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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