We were lucky to catch up with Frances Bates recently and have shared our conversation below.
Frances, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
As a lesbian with autism navigating society has always been a challenge. There are many people out there who judge you before even getting to know you. Society can ostracize those who they deem outside the normal, but what even is normal. To me it’s just a setting on a washing machine. I strive to be true to myself at all times, so it took some time to find those who accept me for me. I’ve now been thriving in the artist community as we are brought together by what makes us unique.
Frances, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a Minneapolis based artist/designer with a BFA in Industrial Design from UW – Stout. Currently, I’m an active member of Art to Change the World (ACW), work part-time at Literacy Minnesota, and sometimes teach community education classes.
My childhood dream was to be an inventor who made the world a better place. I’m interested in art, design, and engineering with a focus on helping people. I have a passion for issues of diversity, the world of dancing, and camping gadgetry. Along the way I gained experience in product design, graphic design, sculpture, jewelry, sewing, photography, and woodworking. I’m a creator of innovative solutions and inspirational artwork.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
In a world that has too much negativity I love being able to share some positivity through my art. Many of my pieces are interactive so the viewer can have both a visual and tactile experience. I often make art that is in support of the LGBTQIA2S+ or disability community since I’m part of both. Creating artwork that can make a difference in life is incredible. I enjoy having fun making art and seeing how people react to it.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The best piece of advice I can give to someone who enjoys art is promote it, go see it, and if you can buy it. We all need creativity in our lives. The more you can help an artist the more beautiful our world will be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://francesbates22.wixsite.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitetigerwoman/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frances.bates.18
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-bates/
Image Credits
Unique Garden – Frances Bates 2022 Pride Flag – Frances Bates 2022 Summer Camp Vibes – Frances Bates 2022 Watermelon Collection – Frances Bates 2019 Which Key Are You? – Frances Bates 2022 Zone – Someone in the Applied Arts photo lab at UW-Stout Spaceship – Frances Bates 2022 Photo of me – Madalina Kelner 2022 Photo of me with my self-portrait drawing – Kelly Frankenberg 2023