Press
“Fran White debuts series of portraits in an exhibition titled "FACE," presented by Pure Arts Group. The exhibition takes place at Bannatyne Hotel and Spa Hastings, between June 26 to September 9 2024.
Fran White's “Book Club” series captures the intimate and unique personalities of her book club friends, celebrating the bonds formed over their shared love of literature. Each portrait is a testament to Fran's skill in capturing the essence of her subjects whilst they are reading “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
Frans art practice is deeply rooted in the tactile and rhythmic movement of weaving, a craft that instilled in her a profound appreciation for texture, pattern, and the meditative process of creation.
Recently she has rediscovered her love of painting and has endeavoured to carry these sensibilities into her contemporary abstract painting practice, where the interplay of colour, form, and texture continues to play a central role.
"We are thrilled to host Fran White's ‘Book Club' series at Bannatyne Hotel and Spa Hastings," said Pure Arts Group Founder, Lesley Samms. "Her ability to convey the individuality and spirit of her subjects through her art is captivating. This series of work offers a unique glimpse into the personal connections and friendships that have inspired her work.”
Fran’s book club, a close-knit group of long standing friends who share a passion for reading, provided the perfect muse for this series. Each portrait tells a story, capturing not just the physical likeness but also the personality and character of each friend.
"The book club has been a significant part of my life, and creating this series was a way for me to honour these friendships," said Fran. "I'm excited to share these portraits with a wider audience and hope that viewers can feel the connection and warmth that I experience with these close friends.”
The exhibition is open to the public until 9 September.
You are Invited!
Fran White Residency at Bannatyne Hotel & Spa: 16 March - 2 June 2025
"Tree Travelling: A Journey Through Time and Life as a Painter and Weaver"
You are invited to step into a world of creativity and inspiration, where extraordinary artwork awaits...
Art enthusiasts and collectors are invited to embark on a captivating journey of artistic discovery.
Fran's residency exhibition, Tree Travelling: A Journey Through Time and Life as a Painter and Weaver, beautifully weaves together themes of nature, heritage, and creative exploration through a stunning collection of paintings and textile works, alongside her sketch books, portfolio and artists book for further insight.
A Creative Odyssey Rooted in Nature
Fran’s artistic journey toward this exhibition began in October 2023, initially inspired by the Pure Making in May Instagram challenge. Seeking solace and focus during life’s transitions, Fran subsequently embraced a daily stitching practice, working with eco-dyed fabrics she had created years earlier. With guidance from her mentor, Lesley Samms, she committed to 20 minutes of stitching each day, exploring Swedish linen threads and exotic materials like banana leaf fibre from Japan.
“At first, it was challenging—sometimes we over think these things,” Fran reflected. “But as time passed, I became more inquisitive and curious about what might emerge if I allowed myself to explore.”
Her evolving creative practice, deeply influenced by nature, extended beyond her studio. From travelling with her stitching kit (navigating creative airport hacks with nail clippers!) to drawing inspiration from sketchbooks and workshops, Fran embraced new artistic possibilities.
Inspiration from Nature and Abstraction
A pivotal moment came in April 2024 when Fran joined the EYES (Exploring Your Expressive Self) course with artist-teacher Debs Last, refining her artistic vision. A workshop on handmade brush-making, wind drawing, and natural eco dyeing further deepened her connection to nature.
During a visit to her daughter Sal in Burgundy, France, Fran found her muse in a majestic walnut tree in Sal’s garden. This tree, alongside another with an interesting trunk and roots and at Bannatyne Hotel & Spa in Hastings, became central to her creative exploration.
“A conversation with an art teacher friend introduced me to Mondrian’s ‘Red Tree,’ which I hadn’t encountered before,” Fran shared. “It was exciting to realize I was exploring similar abstraction processes.”
Exhibition Highlights
Tree Travelling: A Journey Through Time and Life as a Painter and Weaver is a deeply personal and evocative exhibition that celebrates Fran’s creative journey. Through her paintings, woven textiles, and mixed-media works, visitors will witness a rich tapestry of artistic evolution shaped by nature’s inspiration.
The exhibition will also feature Fran’s sketch books, portfolio and printed artist’s book, providing deeper insights into her process, practice and life.
Your whole life has been a wonderful mix of artistic endeavour...always searching for links to colour, form and texture.
Emily Hutchings (Becoming Emily)