Frances Desforges
Survival, oil on canvas 76x76 cm
General Statement of Work:
In my painting I have been exploring the use of motif to code information into the painting. Although my work tends to the abstract, because it has a subject it would be classed as figurative. I am fascinated by cellular themes and my works in print are often small scale metaphors of conformity and variation. I am intrigued by the paradox of image and reality. If images obscure reality what is the ‘reality’ of the image?
Artist Biography:
Although I was involved with Arts and Crafts in my own initial training for teaching and during my work with children it was not until I retired that I took up painting. I started with botanical painting at West Dean College, which I pursued for 4 years and then, wanting to find something more expressive of ideas, did a part time Foundation Course at Northbrook College of Art (1996-8) and a part time degree in Fine Art at University College Chichester, graduating in 2004. I also undertook a one year course in Printing at Northbrook College (2000).
Frances Desforges NFF. DCP. Former teacher, lecturer in Primary Education B.A. Hons. 1st class, Fine Art, Southampton University 2004. Certificate in Printmaking Northbrook College, Worthing 2000 Foundation Northbrook College, Distinction. Worthing 1998 RHS Grenfell medalist (silver) Botanical Painting 1997.
Painter and printer. A member of Rackham Painters.
Degree work centred on aspects of identity, origins, and on individual freedom and conformity. Her print images often work in cellular forms. Interested in the use of motifs to code information into paintings which makes them ‘landscapes of the mind’. Exhibits with ARTEL. Currently working on an ARTEL Science -Art Collaboration.
The Prophet, the Artist and I oil on canvas 2005 84 x 59.5 cms.