Artist Francis on Haarlemmermeer and art: "Every day has a golden edge for me"

Meet Francis

In her studio at home in Hoofddorp, nearby the Toolenburgerplas, she works on her art daily. "I've lived in this house for 21 years now, and before that, elsewhere in Hoofddorp for a few years," says Francis. "I'm originally from Amstelveen. My husband, whom I met during a summer vacation in Italy in 1992, brought Italian flair into my life." We ended up in Hoofddorp, and it felt right immediately. The space, the greenery. It just felt right.

The family grew and Francis had three children. So, painting took place between changing diapers, taking children to school, and cooking. "My studio has always been at home. Initially due to lack of space, but also because it gave me the freedom to create art while still being with the family."

A studio in the living room 

What began as small creative outbursts has grown into a serious undertaking. Francis paints primarily with acrylic paint, occasionally with watercolor or other media. Her subjects are diverse: birds, cloudy skies, seascapes. "I'm self-taught. I learn by doing, by trying, and also by observing a lot. It doesn't have to be perfect or within the lines. Something magical often happens outside the lines."

Cherishing shells

In addition to her paintings, Francesca also creates art on oyster shells. She paints these oysters with Haarlemmermeer icons such as the pump house, the Waterwolf and the steam pumping station De Cruquius. I call them my 'cherishing shells.' Each shell has a golden edge, as a symbol that every day can have a golden edge. People recognize their surroundings in them, and that connects them. That's what I find important about art: it doesn't have to be grand or complicated. It has to evoke something.

Her cherished shells have even been used as promotional gifts by the municipality. "Mayor Marianne Schuurmans bought one for Marga Ruigrok, and at Christmas, I was even commissioned to make 28 shells as gifts for all the aldermen. I thought that was special."

Haarlemmermeer as a source of inspiration

The Toolenburgerplas is without a doubt her favorite spot. “I call it our backyard. It's a place where I played with my children when they were little, where I paint, take photos, and where I always relax.” Heemtuin Heimanshof, a picking garden on the edge of Haarlemmermeer, is a place she loves to visit. “In September the flowers there are meters high. It really is like walking like Alice in Wonderland. On the IJweg near the Haarlemmermeer forest in Hoofddorp you will find Plesmanhoek recreation area. Around the end of summer (in August and September), the flower picking meadow is in full bloom! And the great news is: you can pick the native flowers and herbs for free. I'm still discovering new places in Haarlemmermeer, even though I've lived here so long.

Art and circular happiness

Besides her paintings, Francis also enjoys second-hand finds. “I like to come to RataPlan in HoofddorpSometimes you find an old frame there that perfectly matches a new work. Or an object that I renovate and return as art. That's how I try to give something back to society.

For her, art is more than just a beautiful drawing or painting. "I also want to show that you don't always have to buy new things, that beauty can also be found in reuse. It's my way of living consciously and sustainably."

Want to see more of Francis's work? Visit her Instagram page here!