‘Bird’ – Frané Lessac – the bid is at $180

Frané Lessac grew up immersed in a diverse array of cultures, from the museums of New York to the tropical rainforests of the Caribbean.

Between caring for exotic pets and tagging along for trips to the town library with her mother, Frané was destined to become either a veterinarian or a story teller and artist.

Over 50 books later Frané seems to have chosen the latter. Of course, there is still time and with her adventurous spirit, perhaps no one would be surprised by a career change…

Frané could not be described as a static person and as a result her picture books buzz with her real life travels, having often been sparked by the places she has visited.

She weaves vivid, multicultural scenes, with layered gouache paints, the colours concentrated into lively and joyful hues. One can feel the respect and love Frané has for people in each page. This sense radiates from her as she renders tenderly yet deftly the details of a woman’s skirt or a child’s toy. She imbues a particular care into the details of her character’s lives, deliberately including their belongings and quotidian artifacts scattered around them or in use. Frané believes in the power of details to help us slow down to notice and appreciate the world around us.

Through the use of colours and this decorative style, her work is reminiscent of folk art. In this vein, Frané has also taken to creating small clay sculptures:

‘Recently, I fell in love with hand-building clay and whimsical creatures. Each piece is unique and has an endearing personality.’

Frané is especially devoted to young readers, with whom she has a kindred spirit. She dedicates much of her time to running workshops and giving lectures across the world as well as locally with a focus on central Australia and remote communities. Frané cherishes the many memorable encounters she has had through sharing her craft with children. She hopes to uplift and motivate young people to read, create and through this find a sense of delight in their own surroundings and heritage.

Below is a cute little video of Frané unpacking the kite Isobelle had made to send her.

When asked if she had any personal connection with kites she gave a beautifully evocative answer, further depicting her affinity with the child’s spirit:

‘One of my kite highlights was in Jaipur, India, where I attended the annual Kite Festival. The air was filled with kites, swooping and swirling, and it was magical. Near our hotel was a small stall selling kites, with many children milling about, looking longingly at the kites for sale. I was able to gift kites to the local kids and, with the help of their parents, got them soaring.’

She went on to explain her choice of the white bird adorning her own kite design:

‘Kites fly. Birds fly. I’ve painted this distinct white bird in most of my books. I find it silly and joyful.’

Curious, I searched some Frané Lessac covers and found a little bird taking flight on an addition of ‘The Bird Who Was An Elephant’. Frané said the material of the kite in this project inspired her to use new materials: 

‘I’ve collaged paper, feathers and a vine for the kite tail.’

A trail of hopeful white birds seems to be flying up to meet their final form displayed triumphantly on the kite’s body. The bird is filled with character, demanding of gaiety, set against the backdrop of a cheerful, cloud studded sky.

By Adelaide Stolba