Frances Ferdinands
I chose this career path because
Art is in my blood and at one point I had to decide whether to pursue a career as a classical pianist or painting and chose the latter. I have been an artist for 35 years and opened my studio, Studio Vimy Fine Art, 5 years ago. I taught painting at Humber College for 4 years and I am a classical pianist.
I prepared for this career by
I received my Bachelor's of Fine Art from York University and my Bachelor's of Education from the University of Toronto. I received an Associate's from the Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto.
The biggest challenge I've overcome
Professionally, I find the gallery system to be biased against women - we are not taken as seriously as men.
My greatest strength(s)
I have a broader understanding of relationships, politics and the environment through making art. My art is all issue based and entails war, solitary women, haute couture, urban life and nature. Most recently I began relating my work to the Sri Lanka (my birthplace) War.
My greatest accomplishment to date
My greatest accomplishment is still working and exhibiting after 35 years and being collected by museums.
My personal/professional goals
My goal is to get my work into The United States. In order to do that I need introductions to galleries
What/Who has inspired me the most
What I do is my passion and as a full-time artist my studio is my home and my inspiration.
I most want to be known/remembered for
I just want to become better and better and to speak to more people through my art.
I have received the following Honors/Awards/Scholarships
My work is in the Royal Ontario Museum and I was commissioned by the Royal Canadian Mint to design a Diwali coin and a multicultural coin in 2018.
I support the missions of these charities/volunteer my time
I am a volunteer accompanist (piano) at St. Peter's Anglican Church
I enjoy the following hobbies/interests
I love yoga, reading and taking walks with my dog. I also love playing classical piano.