Artsy Mondays
Thanks for joining me for Artsy Mondays! Today I am excited to welcome Keith Francis! As an Art Curator, I exhibited Keith’s photographs as a part of InFocus Photo Exhibit & Awards 2020. The exhibit had a wonderful launch at the beginning of February, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the world. InFocus, which usually runs February and March, stayed up on the gallery walls at the Renaissance Hotel at the Edmonton International Airport until May 2020. The theme of InFocus 2020 was “Change” and it was more fitting than I could have ever anticipated.
I’m delighted to welcome Keith to Artsy Mondays!
I hope you enjoy Keith’s photographer Q&A. Thanks for reading!
Photographer Interview
Keith Francis
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
Around fall of 2018.
Who are the photographers and artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?
Ansel Adams, Adam Gibbs, Thomas Heaton, and Fan Ho are a few photographers who have had a lot of influence on me. I find that all these photographers have captured some images with amazing and unique compositions. Fan Ho and Adam Gibbs specifically use light in a beautiful way in their images. Their work encourages me to think outside the box when it comes to photography. I also find the music of Leonard Cohen and Jon Foreman very inspiring.
“Castlepoint” bu Keith Francis
What is the inspiration behind your photographs?
I want to capture the beauty we see in nature – not just in places known for their landscapes but also in my own backyard. I believe there is beauty all around us if we are willing to look for it. My photography also gives me an opportunity to bring people’s attention to the fact that we need to help keep some of these places safe from negative human impact. Regardless of what someone believes about climate change, we can all agree that our planet is beautiful and that we ought to be good stewards of the land.
What was the most unique person or place you’ve photographed?
New Zealand. This country has some of the most varied landscapes one can find in a single country. From mountains and rainforests to beaches and sand dunes, New Zealand is a unique place with lots to enjoy and photograph.
“Nugget” by Keith Francis
What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?
Take your camera everywhere with you and be willing to try new things without the fear of failure.
If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?
Being able to fly – fly fast – would be cool.
“Matheson” by Keith Francis
Where is your favorite travel destination?
New Zealand.
When you’re not photographing, what are your favorite hobbies?
Enjoying the outdoors, listening to music, reading, and eating peanut butter.
“Droopy” by Keith Francis
What do you most enjoy about being a part of InFocus Photo?
It’s a good opportunity to meet and see the work of many interesting photographers from Edmonton and around Canada. This is also the first time my work is being featured in an exhibition so I find it exciting!
Where can people find you online?
On my website: www.87miles.co
“Serenity” by Keith Francis
ATTENTION ARTISTS!
OPEN CALL
Word-and-Image: Creative Crossovers
September 16 to November 4, 2020
Books are not only for words and canvases not only for paint. Experience how words and visual art collide to create innovative creative crossovers that touch us on multiple levels. Relationships between words, art, and meaning are explored.
Details and Application
Important Dates:
Apply by Monday, August 10, 2020.
Acceptance confirmation by Monday, August 24, 2020.
Exhibition dates: September 16 – November 4, 2020.
Stay tuned for all my “calls for submissions” for artwork.
Subscribe to my e-newsletter to have these opportunities sent right to you.
“Fortitude”
$1,375.00
Original artwork to bring your home to life!
Artwork Description:
- This piece is from the “Joy + Passion” painting series
- 2018
- By Alexis Marie Chute
- Acrylic on canvas
- 32×32 in, framed
ABOUT THE TRILOGY
The 8th Island Trilogy includes Above the Star, Below the Moon, and Inside the Sun. Over the three books, we follow the adventures of a quirky family, the Wellsleys. The main characters are frumpy senior citizen Archie, his daughter-in-law, Tessa, and his ill fourteen-year-old granddaughter Ella.
Archie, searching for his missing son, accidentally transports his family—and a cruise ship full of people—to a magical planet. There, they uncover the truth: all worlds are dying. Yet hope is not lost. A way to restore all that will soon be destroyed is revealed, along with the realization that Ella will play a role no one could have imagined—especially not her.
On the mysterious island of Jarr-Wya, many races of creatures battle for dominion and magic lurks around every corner. When the world falls dark, that is when bravery must shine the brightest, and the Wellsleys will reveal the strength they never knew they possessed—as well as the power of love to save the day.
Follow the virtual book tour for Inside the Sun, book three in The 8th Island Trilogy
