Born on an army base, Vance Farrow spent most of his formative years in typical “military brat” fashion, moving from town to town. This period had a distinct effect on his artistic development; the places he lived kept changing, so he chose to focus his attention on the people he would meet while living there. Memories of these people are what spurred his ongoing quest to explore various facets of human nature through artistic means. He was always fascinated by drawing in lieu of other art forms because, “Its seeming simplicity of materials belies its amazing scope, which ranges from startlingly instantaneous sketches to intensely measured and deliberated works.” He saw drawing as a direct correlation to the nature of humanity, as a thing that was simple in principle yet profound in its expression.

Farrow received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in drawing from Murray State University in 1993, and an M.F.A. in drawing from the University of Cincinnati in 1996. He taught at the Art Academy of Cincinnati until his eventual move to Indianapolis where he currently teaches as an assistant professor of Foundation Studies/Fine Art at Herron. His drawings currently revolve around human nature as seen through the figures of ethnic minorities. He states that this is a focal emphasis because, “I am interested in exceptions rather than rules, in the kinds of people that I don’t see often enough in works of art . . . at least not often enough for me.” He has won awards for both teaching and drawing, and his work is included in public and private collections throughout the country.