Stimulated by the concept of colour interaction, Francesca Edward’s installations explore the dialogue that is created between the painted surface and the colour illuminations when colour changing sequences are projected on top of the canvases. These installations encourage a detailed observation due to the changing colour sequences. This highlights the meticulous details of the interactions formed through layering; which can be seen stood close to the canvas. However, this style of work also favours the audience viewing from the entirety of the space. While the wide-span projection bleeds off the canvas it fills the room with changing hues. The employment of three projection paintings working simultaneously together ensure that space is filled with a range of hues that directly complement and contrast each other. Edward’s aim is for the viewer to enter the space and feel completely submerged in colour.
Self-taught or art school?
Throughout my education, I have always studied fine art. This summer I graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in Fine Art, and my plan for this year is to study Curation at a master’s level.
If you could own one work of art what would it be?
For sentimental reasons I would love to own Francis Bacon’s ‘Three Studies for a Portrait of John Edwards’ as Edwards; the subject of these paintings was my uncle. This is my favourite piece of Bacon’s work but also holds a special place due to the family connection.
How would you describe your style?
My style is definitely abstract, however, in the past year, I have begun to combine digital art with these abstract paintings, creating a fusion between the two mediums and styles.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
The process of my work is paramount to my practice. Throughout my last year at university, I have rigorously tested painting applications and styles, alongside experimenting with digital projection. I refined my approach to both of these mediums to push the boundaries of abstraction. The elimination of figuration led me to my finalised painting style. I found this change in direction from a very limited colour palette and choice of marks to a broad spectrum of colours and gestural brushstrokes the pinnacle of success in my work. The expressive brushwork and painterly style allow the paintings to work as part of the projected installations and on their own. Once the paintings are complete, they are photographed, digitalised and then projected back onto the original canvas. This second layer depicts an animated colour sequence that illuminates the painted colours.
Is narrative important to your work?
Narrative is somewhat important to my practice. My painting projections create a sense of colour narrative as the changing hues dance across the canvas and fill the space.
Who is your favourite artist and why?
I don’t necessarily have a favourite artist, however, I do have a favourite art movement. The abstract expressionism movement plays a massive role in the inspiration for my paintings. Artists such as De Kooning, Mitchell and Rothko are my greatest sources of inspiration due to their free and abstracted approach to their work.
What or who inspires my art?
I am inspired by everything that is around me, particularly the colours and music that I experience in my day to day life. While creating my works I listen to music at a high volume in my studio. I find that different genres of music and different moods are reflected in my paintings. In my recent ‘Light Painting Triptych’ I listened to my favourite happy and uplifting songs, which I found created a sense of energy in the works.
Wheres your studio and what is it like?
Due to Covid-19 I, unfortunately, had to move out of my university studio, however, since moving home I have opened up a new studio on an industrial estate in my area. It is a very bright space, with each wall providing me with a different workspace, one wall for inspiration, one for working on, one as a gallery-like display wall and the last as a photographing wall. Filled with all of my paints and materials, alongside my music speaker this space allows me to fulfil my creative process within my practice.
Do you have any studio rituals?
I don’t have any particular ‘rituals’ however I do find it very important to start the day by scrolling through my art Instagram feed looking into the work of my peers and artists that inspire my work. This process gets me in the creative mindset to produce work to the highest quality.
What are you working on currently?
At the moment I am working on a series of miniature studies of my abstracted gestural paintings, using the same colour palette as my ‘Light Paintings’. I also have a lot of ideas of slightly different painting avenues that I am intrigued to try out and experiment with. This new work will be available to view on my Instagram @francescaedwardsfineart
Where can we buy your art?
I have a selection of work up for sale on my Instagram and Facebook pages (@francescaedwardsfineart) such as my ‘Light Painting Triptych’, which is also available to buy on Artsy. I have a Picfair store too, in which my photographic prints are available to buy either digitally or printed on canvases. I am also available for commissions through email or direct message on my Instagram.
