FRANCES NEISH

ARTIST STATEMENT

The Haringishes series of porcelain and stoneware vessels has resulted from contemplating the graphic language of Keith Haring, its ability to communicate through deceivingly simple and charming iconography in fluid negative and positive space. The Haringishes vessels are often conical in shape reminding one of a water whirling in a whirlpool. By employing the natural flowing form of these vessels as three-dimensional canvases, the aim is to enhance the perception of movement within the image and space itself.

Biography  |  Artist CV

FRANCES NEISH
About FRANCES NEISH

Frances Neish is a multimedia Canadian painter and sculptor, influenced as a youth by weekly visits to the wonders of the National Gallery of Canada. Her pathway in the arts evolved from the study of architecture at Carleton University, painting and sculpture at OCAD University, and ceramics at the Gardiner Museum school. Her artwork at times reflects her experience as a designer of graphics, fashion and furniture. A formalist by nature, she has a never ending fascination with the effects of colour and form on emotional communication, aiming to create contemplative, and at times humourous, life companions for those who relate.

FRANCES NEISH CV

EDUCATION

BA Sociology, Carleton University, Ottawa 1971
B.Architecture Carleton University (4.5 years) 1973-1978
Ontario College of Art & Design (Painting and Drawing, Honours) 1993

Art Gallery of Ontario Studio School 1985-1900

CERAMIC STUDIES

Ontario College of Art & Design (Sculpture) 1993-1995
Gardiner Museum (Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing) 2004-2007
Central Tech (Handbuilding and Wheel Throwing Cone 10) 2008-2010

Sheridan College (Naked Raku) 2011

EXPERIENCE
BUSINESS 1979 - 2012

Freelance and contract design in the fields of graphics, interiors,
costume and fashion in Toronto for clients in various industries, including
architectural, academic, financial, government and healthcare.

ART 1985-2025

1985-2015 focused on oil painting and sculpting, private commissions,
local and international competitions, as well as community art fairs.
From 2015-2025 ceramics has taken on increasing role, producing
handbuilt and wheel thrown functional and sculptural work, showing at
The Artist Project, Toronto, and various regional art fairs;
and more recently, Vessels + Sticks Gallery, Toronto.

AWARDS

“Canadian Women in Art” - Competition, Sculpture 1996
“Uxbridge Festival of the Arts”- Best in Oil Painting, 1997
“Cancer” - Chicago Competition, Painting, 2000
CASE District II Accolades Awards, Visual Design, USA 2002
The Canadian Council for the Advancement Education Prix d’Excellence, 2002