Artist Spotlight:

Francie

Alberts-Bredeson

As a calligrapher, I feel very fortunate to have been able to learn from a variety of instructors, which has contributed greatly to my growth. I think of music and how you can learn to play if you read sheet music but it’s not until you actually hear a piece played by a professional that you realize all the subtle nuances. A few years go by and all of a sudden you hear the piece again in a uniquely different but equally beautiful way from a new artist. I could never have grown as a lettering artist without taking courses in person in a classroom setting. I still remember the buzz of excitement when I attended the first week-long international conference in Red Deer in 1990. It’s been exciting along the way to pick up various calligraphy books and see the work evolve of the international instructors, several who still see themselves as students. Having had many instructors over the years, one I’ve always admired is Betty Locke, as she’s so easily able to challenge every student in class to stretch themselves, no matter the range of experience or lack of.

Joining a guild, in my case the Edmonton Calligraphic Society, led to an amazing group of new friends, so willing to share their journey while helping me on mine. My own personal growth has led to creating paper and books, and even an alphabet, along with instructing and creating pieces on commission. I’m at a point currently in my calligraphy where I feel the need to put it all to use for more of my own projects and am trying to spend more time playing and experimenting. It’s surprising to think how just 26 letters can open up so many wonderful possibilities.

Outside the calligraphic world, I’ve been married 34 years, have two grown sons and a daughter-in-law and I’m enjoying our newly acquired Bichon-Shih-Tzu. We like camping (except when it snows in August), and with my husband’s interest in antique autos have been on many outings over the years that combine the two.

See some of Francie's Artwork