Campbell Salgado Studio

Francisco Salgado

To show her appreciation for the beautiful life they have created together, Kim wrote the following letter to help illustrate what Francisco means to her and the studio:

Dear Francisco,

When I signed up for that figure sculpture class 14 years ago, I was not expecting to meet my mentor, let alone fall in love with my future husband and the father of my child. My intention was to study the human form, to learn how to create it in clay, and I now realize that soon after meeting you there, this had already become a lifelong endeavor. From the start our personal relationship was an extension of our creative work.

There was never any distance between studying craft and studying each other. Trips to the galleries and the plaster room quickly led to your own reproductions of me and romantic fulfillment: something that has led me to recommend dating a photographer or sculptor if anyone had the chance.

I never really hesitated to accept spending the rest of my life with you. Only a small part of me considered that over the course of an eight-week long trek across Europe you could drive me crazy: you didn’t. It was hard to go home after that trip. I had to return to school, and you had to somehow score a job. Naturally, you found fulfillment in teaching; naturally, your students were inspired by you.

In 1998, when your daughter Paulina moved here from Mexico to live with us, I felt our lives were blessed again. The birth of Tamaio in 2000 expanded our family and our lives further, and I was always amazed by how much work you devoted to perfecting our home prior to his birth.

You may not be aware that your children have the lucky honor of growing up in the presence of a fun, storytelling, resourceful father. Your ability to shake the sillies into Tamaio when he’s in tears holds my heart in amazement. (Add to your masteries the of art of distraction!)

Some days as I sit at my computer during a busy day, I imagine what I’ve experienced in one of your sessions many times before: endless peals of laughter, and smiling faces. As a father, husband, and photographer you are a man apart.

Love,
Kim