Frances Crowe

Originally from Waterford, Roscommon-based Frances Crowe studied Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin and worked as a secondary school teacher for many years while developing and maintaining her artistic practice. As an educator, collaborator and curator she has facilitated many school- and community-based art projects. In her own work, weaving and textiles operate as important socio-political signifiers and carriers of meaning.

According to the art historical discourse her work references, weaving has acted as both model and metaphor since the time of Ancient Greece and is as much a part of our conceptual scheme today as it was in the time of Homer. In her day-to-day practice, weaving provides her with a visual language, a methodology and a conceptual framework through which to investigate and attempt to map and make some sense of the grave challenges of our times. Tapestry is both an ancient gesture and thought paradigm that seeks to name and reframe important social and cultural issues – the migrations, wars, and changes in climate that represent the deepest concerns impacting all our futures. Myth, meaning and textiles form a complex web underpinning the references and insights in her work. Her current project seeks to examine cultural challenges in the light of the ancient Irish myth, Táin Bó Cúailnge.

Frances Crowe applied for a Golden Fleece Award to support the production of new work for an upcoming solo exhibition at Custom House Studios and Gallery, Westport. The Award would facilitate the creation of unique weaving-frame looms in collaboration with a local metalworker, the purchase of materials, and research into natural dyeing techniques.