Victor Di Gesu (1914-1988) established himself as a commercial artist (in South Pasadena) at the age of 17, when he penned and was credited for a series of cartoons featured in his high school year book. Between that time and when he enlisted in the army to serve in World War II, Victor worked as a commercial artist, and in character animation at Disney.
Janet de la Roche (1916-2000) identified as an artist from an early age. Her grandmother had been a practicing artist and an inspirational role model for Janet from the time she was a little girl growing up in Los Angeles.
As Janet came of age, she felt very stifled by the social confines of the early 1940's. Janet's parents expected her to marry and become a housewife. But the U.S. joined World War II, and despite all of its horrors provided women with opportunities that had not previously been available. In an effort to liberate herself from society and from her family, Janet up and joined the military. This was the first of other courageous decisions that Janet would make throughout her life. As a 'Lady Marine' Janet served state side until the war ended in 1945.
Like a generation of young Americans, Victor and Janet had put their life on hold for the war effort. After the war ended, an influx of veterans re-entered civilian life. In Los Angeles, higher education exploded with veterans seeking to study and this is where Janet and Victor eventually met. From a fateful meeting in a painting class, Janet and Victor soon embarked on a journey together that sought to put 'Art First' in their lives.
With the help of GI funds, the two eventually headed to Europe where they studied at an atelier in Paris, and then continued to study, exhibit and paint their way around France, Spain and Italy.
After their time abroad, the two returned to the Monterey Area and settled in what is known today as Pacific Grove. Victor built the young couple a 'Modern' inspired house (that still stands), and both artists were invited to become members of the Carmel Art Association (CCA) where they remained active until their respective passings. Over the years there were humorous and lively accounts of their artistic life together, as documented in the local press. The couple were part of a community of like-minded artists and Victor earned a reputation as a charismatic painting teacher at the Pacific Grove Community Center. While American society would be transformed into an economic powerhouse in the post war years, Janet and Victor chose the path of art and never looked back.
