Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.
Bio: Franklin Williams, 84, Petaluma, CA
Title of work: Pink Tea
Where to see it: “It’s About Love,” The Bell/Brown Arts Institute (64 College St, Providence, RI) until December 8.
Three words to describe it: In 1972 Pink Tea was born, with Beauty, Mystery and Myth.
What was on your mind at the time: During this time, I paid tribute to my family with letters U and T uniting to make a form that could birth a heart root growing vine.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: Small half-moons found their way to the surface and were painted bright yellow, from that point on yellow became a key color to my future works.
How the work reflects your practice as a whole: The birth of four hearts became a foundation piece for a lifelong journey. I have continued my way to the future of building objects, no longer just paintings using collage, twine, yarn, crochet thread and crochet objects. Also borrowing drawings from my past into the present works.
One song that captures the work’s essence: While building this object my way I was introduced to a song sung by Frank Sinatra titled “My Way”.
Franklin Williams, Pink Tea, 1972. Image courtesy of Parker Gallery, Los Angeles. Photography by Julia Featheringill.
