MEET THE ARTIST
MELANIE FRANCIS
The vibrant colours, distinct patterns and rich historic symbols are the language of this artist’s storytelling.
It is a journey that encompasses history, identity and the inspiration of the natural world.
As a multi-hyphenate, an artist of works aided by being a gemologist, educator, poet, and storyteller, a translator of art history.
Painting is the thread through my life. A practice that supports many opportunities and interpretations joining and manifesting in my art.
Inspired by the ancient Islamic world, and seen through my own cross-cultural lens.
A familiarity with the traditional arts of India, I have had a long association with the rich and historic cultures of this mesmerizing subcontinent.
From a childhood spent painting, living, and immersed in the irresistibly complex cultures of old Bombay - the gem cutters, pearl traders, carpet wallahs, an everyday life steeped in daily rituals.
A country of richly refined temples, geometric water tanks, complex music, printing, dancing, singing; a myriad of creative elements imprinted through living in the many unique cultures of India.
Examples of these carefully handcrafted styles were plentiful in painted wood from Kashmir, ornaments, rich fabrics, exotic colours, and even the decorated dried peepal leaves - the delicate designs a perpetual technical curiosity.
Following my intuition I have been inspired to seek, immerse in, collect and study these many treasures. The role of teacher and student blend, even today revisiting the guru, the source, is an annual pilgrimage.
Join me on the journey from source to symbolism, from first geometric design to final artistic piece…
Before illustration even begins, the paper has to be made and prepared, the folios burnished and cut.
Tea and other natural dyes are applied to give the paper subtle layers of colour.
Ideas are sketched, transferred and outlined. Specialised pigments are applied in layers - building up various tones with tiny brushstrokes.
Background and design spaces are decorated with arabesque and repeating rhythmic plant patterns from nature.
Colours are selected, with their translations in mind. Pigments are mixed, to bring the earth’s wisdom into each creation.
And then, of course, the design itself follows. With rich symbols and meticulous geometric details that come to life with every stroke of the paintbrush.
Using fine brushes made of special squirrel tail hairs, the first outlines are added to the composition.
A classically closed world of Indian miniatures. An elegantly finished and highly stylised art form, became a technical challenge to expand and interpret.
In using ancient historical symbols, absorbing and interpreting these beautifully refined designs to expand and develop into meaningful relatable work.
Art of such technical and concentrated skills allows for mediative time
An unspoken sense of cosmic connection deep within the scope of traditional miniature art. It has a great overlap with a contemporary focus on personal wellness and inner space - of greater connectivity, and an immersive experience.
This cosmic connection and use of symbolism, the choosing of minerals, gemstones, precious metals and design elements. The experience of toil, of observing, respecting and immersion in skills handed down through generations.
A journey that encompasses history, identity, poetry and the wonders of the natural world
Walking the corridors of the Middle East. My life is one lived by pulling at the threads of my curiosity and seeing where it leads.
This thread has guided me from modern city to ancient temple, from India to Morocco, Iran through the rich tapestries of the Middle East… and throughout I have unwrapped a generous and respectful understanding of Islamic art.
With keen awareness, I see the cosmic connection between my knowledge in gems and the rich past that is Islamic art.
My love of gemology paired with use of symbolism, creating structure within structures, leading seamlessly to that which was made away from human hands.
Islamic painting is about this refined offering to life, a prayer savoring our journey here, a navigation through life and the hereafter.
My art is my language
My art is a tale, stories, defined intentions and inspirations, the colours of the present and dreams of the past, a history, a vision and an understanding of this world, patterns, lines and symbols related intimately with color.
I have had the privilege to witness and share in this life force called art, having had the honor of apprenticing with some of the best of teachers of Islamic arts.
Through long stretches of study, consolidated with years of practice, I’ve developed the disciplines of time, precision, continuity, and historical accuracy.
Proficiency meets perspective, through the fine detail and wide lens that research travel and living within India, Iran, Morocco, Indonesia and Turkey brings.
Culminating to evoke an original and complex experience, that’ll invite a different translation from every viewer. has to be made and prepared, the folios burnished and cut.
Waiting for you, inside every art piece…
Identity
Each piece is created to give a connection to a place, a history and a culture. There’s a deep-rooted respect for the past and those who have walked before us.
Rich symbols are woven into the art, telling a tale of identity, viewed through a unique cross-cultural lens.
Earth
My work is the effect of a life that’s spanned seven beautiful countries and passed through some fifty more.
From the designs, with a flower exploding at their core, to the selection of the hard-to-find natural pigments and precious metals from which they’re made. Nothing would be possible without this earth we call our home.
Story
Story is what everything comes back to. Story is how we connect, create memories and pass experiences on.
A passing meeting, a message woven into a painting, a lifelong friendship. This is how we grow, absorbing the journeys of those who we invite into our lives.
Detail
From the placement of each brushstroke to the materials used to form that very brush. Those seemingly small details give us magical depth and rich understanding.
Details make a painting multi-dimensional, so you can get lost in the meaning. Captivating both your mind and soul in equal measures.
My art studio
When not traveling, my art is made at home, in Mexico, or a pieds-à-terre in India or Dubai.
With a studio that roams with me, crossing countries and continents.
Pulling at the strings of curiosity, wherever they lead.
A GLIMPSE THROUGH MY STUDIO
40 years of experience, a lifetime of seeking and a never-dwindling passion for ancient traditions
A handful of the gatherings from along the way…
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Grumbacher Watercolor Awards
Watercolor West Juried Show Award
Pittsburgh Watercolor Society Award
San Diego Watercolor Society Award
Artis Gallery Award, Naples Florida
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Albany Center Gallery
American Watercolor Society
Buffalo AKG Museum Show NY
Ann Arbor State Fair Michigan
University of Georgia- Athens
St Louis Watercolor Society
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Louisiana Technical University
The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts London UK
Gemmology Associations UK & Canada
Master Gemologist Appraiser GIA USA
GIA Jewelry Designer, Silversmith, Pearl and Diamond Certification
Sylvia Hayward, Georgia USA