Vickie Jo Franks is a first time donor to Aroma of Art. She is a retired art teacher, having taught in several school districts for over 30 years. Her work is currently on display at the
Gaston County Public Library in
Gastonia, NC. Her work has been shown at the
Hickory Museum of Art,
Kathleen's Simply Irresistible Gallery in
Tryon, the
Sea and Sounds Gallery in
Manteo, NC, the
Cleveland County Memorial Library and
Frame Masters Gallery in Shelby.
Vickie Jo uses recycled materials to create her folk are images. She has a deep
reverence for nature and creation and her work is a reflection of her passion. The messages in her work
reflect her sincere beliefs in human stewardship of our planet, promoting the spay and neuter of pets, rabies prevention awareness including World Rabies Day and the Alliance for Rabies Control and anti-littering campaigns. An
article about her was recently published in the Charlotte Observer.
Below are her responses to our artist interview questions. We are proud to have her participation in Aroma of Art.
What is your background/how did you get started in your medium?
I grew up in a rural place in North Carolina and spent a lot of time outside. Being close to
nature taught me an appreciation for animals , trees, rain, the beauty and wonder of small and large creation. My family was very resourceful and creative, making things with out hands and repairing broken things ourselves. We are a family of readers with many books and encyclopedias at our disposal, including the magazine "Popular Science". I
participated in every art and craft event offered. The media I use reflects the positive influence of parents, community, especially women's craft and handwork, with an emphasis on the creative use of materials and appreciation of nature.
What effect are you trying to have on people through your art?The work I create will cause people to appreciate nature, enabling people to make past, present and future connections. When experiencing my work people will know the beauty and wonder of a leaf, a bird, a flower, a purple sky. People will understand that
subduing the earth does not man destroying everything and each other.
Who were your mentors, inspiring artists, as you began to discover art?Family and community members who were creative, resourceful and appreciated art and craft forms inspired me in my work. Native American potters and basket weavers were also an early influence. I am also
inspired by cartoons, particularly the work of
Charles Schulz and his story of early rejection. I appreciated the work of
Jackson Pollack as a child and was disturbed by the attempts to discredit his work by showing that animals could
paint like him. Later in the classroom I was inspired by the collage work of
Romere Bearden who showed the artistic possibilities, even when conventional art supplies are limited.
What was the first piece of art you created and what inspired it?Family trips to Was
hington DC to visit family were filled with visits to historical places. My cousin Mickey was an excellent artist. As a child of five I thought he was a genius. I decided to see if I could draw. I looked out the window, saw a fire truck and drew it.
What are some of your favorite projects?My work is a reflection of my time spent connecting with nature in the garden. I use my work to encourage the community to participate in rabies reduction
advocacy including
World Rabies Day and
the Alliance for Rabies Control. I also participate in the annual
Great Back Yard Bird Count promoted by Cornell University. I
also work on advocacy for wild horses in NC.
What are you working on right now?
I am completing some work in progress while continually scouting exhibition opportunities and marketing venues for my work. My husband, Ronnie, and I take road trips to find places around the state that are appreciative of folk art. I work on several pieces at a time. One piece, "God Bless America", a quilt/collage/assemblage piece I plan to have completed by May for the Hickory Museum of Art 9th Art on the Avenue.
