About

As an artist Francine has always had an appreciation for beauty and the natural world. Growing up in a north London house with a large back garden formerly part of an orchard, she was as a child surrounded by numerous mature fruit trees. From a young age creating artwork was completely absorbing and guided by her mother; she practised several different textile crafts as well as drawing and collage.

Now living on a smallholding in a picturesque mid-Wales valley, her lifestyle revolves around working with nature. For her the garden is not only a place for permaculture-based food production, but is a source of insight and inspiration. As well as growing food and rearing poultry, Francine strives to enhance her surroundings for both aesthetic and wildlife benefit.

Her practice is primarily inspired by a passion for gardening, but is also informed by wider issues affecting humanity: climate change; food security; biodiversity and a lack of direct contact with the environment.  It reflects a connection between the garden and the planet as a whole, with references made to prevailing natural systems; seasonal rhythms and cyclic influences; within a visual language originating in the aerial mapping of her garden.  Recognition of the potential for the garden to be a significant interface between healthy human experience and the natural world is a key component.

Following an Art Foundation course at Middlesex Polytechnic in 1985 Francine trained in BA (Hons) Fashion/Textile Design at Liverpool Polytechnic where she was a prize winner in several design competitions, including one national. Inspiration was found in many subjects: graphic design; textile design; decorative arts; traditional costume and crafts as well as other artists and movements.  An influential overland journey to and through Morocco prior to her final year, strengthened her appreciation for work hand crafted from natural materials.  Shortly after graduating an unexpected visit to west Wales led to a two year stay on a communal farm striving for self-sufficiency, where she became the gardener’s apprentice and met her future husband.  This formative and empowering experience set a benchmark which would later be realised.

Following a period of travel and creative living in experimental and unconventional spaces, Francine qualified as a lecturer and went on to support many students in art and design during an academic teaching career which spanned almost twenty years. She has undertaken numerous commissions, been a freelance life drawing tutor, as well as an external academic verifier and has also led many workshops and projects. In 2009 she took part in a BBC1 Wales production Changing Lives – Going Green. All the while Francine endeavoured to produce as much food as possible at home and developed a deepening connection with the land. Whilst lecturing she undertook an MA Fine Art course at Glyndŵr University through which she began to consolidate ideas that had developed alongside having a family.

Francine has produced work in a broad range of media including: drawing, painting, textiles, printmaking, photography, artist’s books, mixed media as well as microscopy and land art. Earlier work included a focus on handmade felt as a sustainable material for producing unique pieces, including wearables. Later her research using light and scanning electron microscopes brought into view hidden and fascinating garden subjects that are beyond the scope of normal vision. Collaboration with the Eden Project and the National Botanic Garden of Wales enabled Pollen Alphabet Stamps (2011), a celebration of invisible beauty and communication.

In 2020 Francine initiated and trademarked GARDEN YOUR PLANET® as a concept message with which she aims to inspire others to connect to the environment through the garden.

Exhibitions

Mar 2015 – Local Green Champions – Making a Difference, Portrait Exhibition, Llanfyllin Workhouse
Apr–Jun 2012 – Ex Libris, Denbigh Library Gallery, Denbigh.
Sept 2011 – Qube Open Art Exhibition, Qube, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Aug 2011 – Glyndwr Summer Show, Willow Gallery, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Jul-Aug 2010 – Knowing Me Knowing You, Portrait Exhibition, Qube, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Mar-Apr 2010 – The Art of the Book, First Edition, Oswestry, Shropshire.
Nov-Dec 2009 – Inside Out Single Works Show, Pandy Mill Gallery, Llangollen.
Aug 2009 – The Art of the Book, The Workhouse Gallery, Llanfyllin , Powys
Nov 1999-Jan 2000 – Christmas Craft Exhibition, Oswestry Heritage Centre, Oswestry.
Nov–Dec 1999 – Christmas Craft Exhibition, Memorial Art Gallery, Yale College, Wrexham.
Dec 1997 – Under the Mistletoe, 292 West Parade, Lincoln.
Dec 1996 – Textiles for Christmas, Rowley’s House Museum, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Oct – Dec 1996 – Craft Cases, The Gateway Education & Arts Centre, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Dec 1995 – Jan 1996 – Art in the Community, Youth & Community Centre, Llanfyllin, Powys.
Nov 1995 – Christmas Craft Exhibition, Walls Restaurant, Oswestry, Shropshire.
April 1995 – Felt Toy Exhibition, Toy Museum, Kecskemet, Hungary.
Jan – Feb 1994 – Craft Showcase Exhibition, Denbigh Library Museum & Gallery, Clwyd.
Sept -Oct 1993 – Felt Alive International Feltmakers Association Exhibition, Black Swan Gallery, Somerset.
Oct 1990 – Under The Same Sun, Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Dyfed.
Oct 1988 – Spectrum Women’s Photography Festival (Liverpool Area)

Collections

Nov 2011 – Artworks held in the National Botanic Garden of Wales collection
Nov 2011 – Artworks held in the Eden Project collection

Awards

June 1999 – Award For Outstanding Commitment PGCE (FE), The North Shropshire College, Oswestry.
May 1988 – Prize winner, Merseyside Improved Houses Photographic Competition.
Feb 1987 – 2nd Prize, Fashion Live Design Competition, SHE magazine/International Wool Secretariat.
Jan 1987 – 1st Prize, Girl X Design Competition, Littlewoods, Liverpool.