Meet Frances Byrd | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Frances Byrd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Frances, what are you inspired by?
I am most inspired by things in nature that bring me joy. Unlike most artists, I do not confine my practice to a specific media, but prefer to align my materials and techniques with the process I envision for creating a piece of art. The concepts for my portraits are often based on a color scheme or element from nature. I enjoy outdoor activities, including hiking and kayaking, where the seeds of an idea often sprout. I find joy in the color and texture of moss, ephemeral wildflowers, acorns, mushrooms, and bird feathers along the paths I travel.
Forest environments elicit a fullness of heart, and I cannot resist a woodland trail. I find peace in the sound of the wind rustling through the leaf canopy and joy in birdsong. The structure of trees fascinates me in all seasons, from the bare branches of winter to the vibrant colors of autumn leaves. The repetitive simplicity of nature juxtaposed against the myriad variety of life find expression in the media I use to pursue my muses. Birds and flowers become icons and symbols that repeat across media from printmaking and illustration to mixed media and oils. As in nature, patterns and themes repeat while also evolving.

My narrative portraits are typically conceptual in nature, with a focus on female empowerment. With so much negativity in the world, I find it important to focus on positive imagery and stories. By combining my figures with the natural elements that inspire the aesthetic of their portrait, I offer an alternative to the ugliness and negativity that is so dominant in our culture.
I choose my models based on their authenticity, sincerity, and self-confidence, rather than their appearance or body type because I believe interesting stories are far more important than fashion trends. Many of the women I work with are trauma survivors, have unconventional jobs or pursuits, and still have the self-confidence to walk through the world as if they own it. They are women whose life experiences have led them toward a path of individuality and strength.
Many of my models undergo a metamorphosis of media across a series of portraits. I don’t have a strict formula or order for this development, preferring to see how inspiration informs their visual narrative. Some concepts started out as very traditional oil paintings before I could envision them in other media, whereas others started as a drawing that I translated into a printmaking design before enlarging them for a painting on canvas. As an artist, the development of a strong visual narrative, is my primary goal.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think one of the things that sets me apart most, as a portrait artist, is my commitment to creating a strong narrative. I am less concerned with my work being a direct representation of my model than I am with successfully telling their story. Although my preferred media is oil painting and I learned traditional techniques, I have a more edgy, illustrative approach.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a huge fan of Ponce City Market. As an artist, having access to the beltway and all of the great public art is a huge draw to the development. Vietvana, is hands-down my favorite pho restaurant, but PCM has many excellent alternatives. City Winery is a great place for dinner and a show. The food and drinks are great, and it is a fantastically intimate venue for live music. Dancing is always on the itinerary, with The Masquerade being my longtime favorite.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The person who deserves the most recognition and gratitude for supporting me as an artist is my husband. We met at SCAD and he has been the person who has most encouraged and supported my passion for creating art.

Website: https://www.francesbyrd.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frances_byrd_art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-byrd-art/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrancesByrdArt

Other: Artwork Archive
https://www.artworkarchive.com/profile/frances-byrd-art

Image Credits
All photos are my own.