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 too, expected her to marry and become a housewife. But the U.S. joined World War II, and despite all of its horrors did provide women opportunities that had never been available to them. In an effort to liberate herself from society and 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' she served state side until the war ended in 1945.
Like a generation of young Americans, Victor and Janet had given up their life 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 Victor and Janet eventually met in a painting class. From that point on, they forged a common path that put 'Art First' in their lives.
With the help of GI funds, Janet and Victor eventually headed to Europe where they studied at an atelier in Paris, and then proceeded to 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 they were invited to become members of the Carmel Art Association (CCA). Accounts of their humorous take on things – both art and otherwise – are well documented in the local press. They settled into a community of like minded artists and Victor earned a reputation as a charismatic art teacher at the Pacific Grove Community Center. Throughout their lives, they remained dedicated to their painting practise and both were active members in the CAA until their respective passings.
