Art by Frances Bates
Holiday Ornaments (2024)
Now that I'm participating in more art markets I've been working on coming up with new small art forms. Some of my artist friends have ornaments they create and during the winter holidays I decided to look into doing those in my style of art. These are the two versions I came up with during the holiday season. One was made from hollow cord wrapped around a spring and some wire to create an abstract version of a piece of candy. The other was inspired by one of my bolo tie designs using colorful cord weaved into a fan cover.
Highs and Lows (2024)
The main body of the piece is a wire shelf. I have weaved scrap fabric, beads, and colorful wire into the different sections. Once I add the fabric it reminded me of a landscape and I wanted to add to that about the journey your life may take. The beads represent ups and downs you can experience. It's a mix a of colors because we can also feel bright or dark depending on the situation.
Vine Frame (2024)
This is a print of my self-portrait drawing with a custom frame. The drawing is made from writing my favorite quote over and over again. We are all doing the best we can and sometimes you need a reminder of that. For the frame I was inspired by the strength of nature and decided to create a unique version of vines.
Thread Count (2024)
After a donation of a ton of empty thread spools, I knew I wanted to make an adult version of a bead maze toy. You can spin and move the center spools or just enjoy the colors of the piece. The name comes from a combination of the thread spools and what I would call the original interactive bead object, an abacus (early math tool).
Unique Garden (2022)
I wanted to add color and texture to this wood carving. The items I chose still allow you to see the original wood but with more visual interest. Some of the attached items are interactive. You can press the buttons on the motherboard and there is a bolt that spins.
Which Key Are You? (2022)
Life It is all about connections because even when you feel alone you never really are. This piece shows how interweaved everyone is and that there are multiple pathways life can take.
I'm asking people to send my photos of their favorite key(s) to create a second artwork from this.
Summer Camp (2022)
Exploring, singing, and crafting is what I think about when it comes to camp. Being at camp is so much fun and there is nothing else like it. By creating a playful interactive artwork, it allows you to imagine you are really there. You’ll never feel far away from the joyful times of summer camp when looking at the piece.
