Meet local Artist and Mother of ARTBAG; known to her art students as Debra Franses. She is gaining recognition for her highly desirable Resin Handbag sculptures in the UK and throughout Buckinghamshire. Now represented by Clarendon Fine Art with Galleries in Marlow, Beaconsfield, Windsor and nationwide; you can also meet her in person at her studio showroom in Old Amersham High Street.
What is ARTBAG?
A giant resin handbag selfie! A transparent Sculpture in Resin shaped like a Handbag – A portrait of things and people we love full of memories and objects that hold value to us for a myriad of reasons. A baby’s first shoe, a ring, a poem, postcard, badge, ticket to a Bowie concert , a favourite canaltaronja.cat lipstick, a perfume or sunglasses, old watch of a beloved relative, toy car, Lego and so on…all of this encased in a transparent handbag, preserved forever. Perfect for a mother’s day !
But why a handbag?
We are what we carry, literally our beautiful baggage. There is actually something called ‘handbagology’ by Karen Pine, a Psychology Professor. You may have seen the recent exhibition at the V&A on “Handbags inside out” where the curators explored themes such as handbags as Status symbols, Celebrity worship, believing a bag is an ‘investment’, Identity and Feeling fat? The bag always fits…!
What is it made from?
Resin, It looks like glass because it’s perfectly transparent. I love the idea of letting the light come in and revealing what is usually hidden. I also use 22 ct gold plated barbed wire to represent the gilded cage some women may find themselves in as they give up careers for motherhood’s demands.
What gave you the idea to put things inside?
I like to play with the memories an object can Its so personal, intimate and individual. My mum is always passing on objects she has collected from my family and each one tells a story. When we lose our memories, we lose our identity. I love how objects hold nostalgic pleasures for the whole family.
Best piece of advice?
Do what you love, do it well and with passion and your audience will find you from my CSM tutor in 2004. Also, my friend from NYC Platon said to me in 2008 it takes a good 15 years to become an overnight success!
