A peek at Frances!

As with most artists, they have always been!   Of course, for Frances there was coloring, drawing, scrapbooking, and mud pies as  a child in .  In her twenties, Frances attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. As a student, drawing and painting evolved, but pen and ink became her favorite.  In her thirties, she moved out West. She discovered Evergreen, an artist's haven. Shortly thereafter Frances was invited to the Tom Ware(house) Group where she enjoyed playing with clay. In her late forties and early fifties she experienced getting stoned (no, not smoking!). Frances' husband gifted her an alabaster stone, a hammer, and chisels. Later, she attended many  MARBLE/Marble Symposiums held in Marble CO. The craving for carving Yule Marble became apparent. A long time interest in bronze came in her sixties when her brother requested a mask of his face be on his headstone.  Now in her mid-70's, retired, she can enjoy art-making full time.

 Acrylic pouring, alcohol ink, clay sculpting, and pen and ink artwork keep her creating during the winter months. However, creating stone sculptures is Frances' passion. Creating art is her fulfillment place. Although formal classes gave Frances structure, most of her creating has been both instinctual and inspirational. Many of her pieces are influenced by hiking adventures in the Rocky Mountains Parks.  

Frances has been honored to be juried-in for many shows and competitions. She discloses "Awards and praises for my artwork has been thrilling, rewarding, encouraging, and 

very appreciated".

Frances Listou did not start carving 

 until her husband, Erik, gifted her a hammer, chisels, and a stone; see Moon Struck in the Alabaster Gallery. After that, she became a stoner, but does not smoke... she carves rocks! 

When she finds a stone that appeals to her, she will set it aside, sometimes for over a decade. Looking at it occasionally, or just think about the shape and color, imagining what she wants it to be. This is the “work” part. Then it just happens! She will either see an image that will “fit” the stone or just start carving; now she is “playing”. Frances enjoys this direct carving method, without an image or model. But at times, uses a maquette, usually in clay, as a guide. She will chip, grind, and sand the stone until she is saturated and satisfied with what has transpired.  Occasionally, a mold from a stone or clay sculpture becomes a bronze piece.  When not "stoning", clay, acrylic pouring, and alcohol ink have her attention.  

Frances states that some artists believe they have to be insane, drunk, angry, depressed, political, negative, or high to create art. She disagrees! Being at peace with oneself and enjoying the process is essential in creating anything, especially art, is Frances' credence.

To Frances' delight, her "playing" has earned awards and collectors.   

 Living and creating her art in Colorado since 1978 is a blessing for Frances. She declares "Creating something, anything, throughout my life, gives me pleasure and purpose." 

Frances carves stone using an air compressor and water tools, instead of electric, to minimize dust, preserve the diamond pads, and safety. 

These are some of her tools:

two-stage air compressor, 

air hose, hammers, and chisels,

diamond blades, buffers, sanding pads,

sandpapers/pads,

grinding wheels,

water hoses, waterproof boots, and gloves,

dust masks, earplugs, eye, and face shields,

umbrella, lights, sun, and sunscreen,

chalk, and markers,

wax, sealers, and more!

As an artist who creates sculptures and abstract art, Frances Listou uses many different mediums, such as clay, acrylics, stone, alcohol ink, and bronze. She believes that "working in a single medium is restrictive to her artistic processes".

 Every piece manifests its style. Many times she is surprised by the results. 

Frances finds it intriguing to explore new mediums. It must be her childhood curiosity. 

Frances declares, "Art must be enjoyed by the creator and the receiver."