FRANCKE GRETCHEN CROTS

(born 24 March 1995, Kroonstad, Free state)

Artist statement:

"Having a mother who is a full time ceramic artist meant always having clay and ceramics readily available growing up. I’ve always had my hands in clay when I grew up, but only started finding my own style and voice in my art during the end of high school. Throughout University I have made various works for small exhibitions and entered a ceramic work into the Sasol New Signatures competition in 2017, where I was one of the 7 finalists and merit award winners. In 2018 I entered the competition again and wound up having my ceramic piece showcased among the top 100 artists whose work was exhibited at the Pretoria Art museum.

After graduating, I have become a full time ceramic artist. Now residing in Parys, I have had ceramic works exhibited in various group exhibitions- including at SMAC Gallery, Haas Collective, Saronsberg Kunsteater, Grande Provence, RK Contemporary, Hermanus FynArts and Whiteriver Gallery. In 2023 my first solo exhibition opened at Grande Provence in Franschhoek.

My work is inspired by various things such as the intricate designs of historical ceramics and porcelain, for example from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as nature and the abundant fauna and flora found in my own garden in Parys. My love of history, cultural objects, nature and colour, can most definitely be found in my work. My work is deeply personal and reflects my own thoughts, opinions and neologisms that I use in my day to day life. Profanities and witty sayings are paired with intricate reimagined floral designs and illustrated images of birds, botanicals, shells or fungi- just as I pair my visual aesthetic and voice in my everyday life."