Featured Artist of the Month : Francisco Little Nov. 2013 | TheArtList - Art & Photo Calls for Visual Artists and Photographers.

Francisco Little

Johannesburg & Beijing

Francisco Little studied Fine Art and Philosophy and is a writer, artist, traveler and photographer. His work has been published in many publications, including National Geographic and he is the winner of several photographic competitions, including Artslant.com showcase and the prestigious Beijing Through the Eyes of Foreigners international competition.

How and when did you start creating art?

I have been interested in Art and photography from a young age and was encouraged by my mother, who was herself an artist. Growing up in Zimbabwe helped with my creative process as the country is blessed with amazing natural color, light and imagery.

What media and genres do you work in?

Painting wise I work in acrylic on canvas and follow a more abstract process – using bold color patterns.

As far as photography is concerned, I work in street photography, where the raw aspects of life can be exposed and I can use this genre to understand how society functions in a candid sense, unaware of the lens. I am also currently working on a project involving flower art – where I can explore the process of nature up close and attempt to create meditative moments that can hopefully bring a measure of tranquility to the viewer. Making these images has a spiritual element that is very cathartic.

Who or what are your influences?

I am influenced more by the world around me then by any individuals. As someone who enjoys extensive global travel and adventure, I often find situations and people I meet reflect my own state of mind and subsequently influence how and what I would choose as subjects of the images I make. Nature, and the way it moves effortlessly through the seasons, is also a constant source of influence.

What was your inspiration for Peaceful Corner?

This image was taken at the Forbidden City in Beijing. I had long wanted to photograph this iconic part of China's history but was looking for an unusual aspect that was not generally shown in the millions of images available of the premier tourist attraction. Directly after a Beijing snowfall I was lucky enough to get inside the gates before the masses of daily visitors arrived. I found this quiet corner at the back of the Forbidden City and the contrast of the wall's red color, white snow and the blue/green tree branches came together in a perfect, balanced, moment. I only managed this one shot before the quiet scene was disturbed by legions of tour groups.

Describe your creative process?

My creative process centers around anticipating how an image will appear given a set of circumstances. It is spontaneous and I am less interested in technique and more in trusting the process that exists at that moment. This requires total detachment, which enables me to remove myself from creating and allow instinct to dominate.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on a series of flower art images, involving the use of smoke, flowers, light and shadow. These images will form part of a coffee table book illustrating self reflective prose as well as an exhibition and series of greeting cards.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

My long term goals include establishing my own gallery, where I could help other artists, and exhibit my own work - without the unrealistic demands and aloof dismissive attitudes I have found in many gallery owners I have dealt with in the past. I am also planning a series of exhibitions in China, where the contemporary art scene has exploded over the past 5 years due to increased awareness of global trends and a more affluent middle-class.