Early in life, Francene Hart listened to the voices of nature and through them found her own artistic voice.
Early in life, Francene Hart listened to the voices of nature and through them found her own artistic voice.
But after moving to Hawaii in 2001, she felt increasingly called to depict the ancient science that infuses her art. Before Sacred Geometry became the centerpiece of her work, this “language of creation” guided Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Mayan astronomers, and Egyptian architects who craved to know the universe shapes waves, vibrations and all matter.
“From the atom to our spiral DNA; from the geometric patterns into which cells divide to the energy fields within and around our bodies and the planet; from architecture to advertising – we are constructed of and influenced by geometry,” Hart wrote in her second book, “Sacred Geometry Cards for the Visionary Path.”
How does she produce such pieces?
Her lofty subject matter is grounded in the meticulous discipline of the day-to-day work of a painter. From the spark of an idea, she first draws with compass, straight edge and by freehand on vellum, a heavy translucent paper that accepts erasures well.
“The texture of watercolor paper changes when an eraser is used which then takes the paint differently,” she said.
Sometimes she uses another piece of vellum to work out complex geometries because the see-through paper helps her design around the geometry. Using a light table and fine pencil, she finally transfers the drawing to watercolor paper.
“Using the highest quality paints and brushes helps creation flow more easily,” she said.
After many hours of layering fine washes of Winsor Newton colors with WN Series 7 (No. 2 and No. 4) paintbrushes, she produces the masterworks she sells online and at South Kona Green Market every Sunday.
“Since watercolor is notoriously unforgiving, I have only one rule — don’t go too dark too fast,” she said. “This allows for change in color and intensity. Lots of layers and the way you can see through to what is hidden below aids in my vision of existence.”
Once completed, the paintings are digitally scanned and transferred to products like greeting cards, blankets and prints that are accessible to every budget. Even while homesteading in Ocean View, the visionary artist has found time to start work on an adult coloring book at the request of her publisher, Bear and Co.
Her work has been widely published in books and magazines, according to the artist’s website.
The artist has worked fervently through art, books and products to create a new way of accessing spiritual wisdom “so that people from every walk of life may enjoy this art,” she said.
Titles of pieces include“Infinite Wisdom,” “Renewal,” and “Interdimensional Escorts.”
But viewing the interweaving of geometric patterns that connect the universe with nature’s feast of imagery can feel like more than just taking in art. If can feel like it balances both hemispheres of the brain, expands intelligence and shifts consciousness
Just try gazing at one.
It softens the eyes and the whole nervous system follows. For some, there’s an instant shift. Just try looking at “SUN Flower” for 30 seconds – you’ll be a new person in under 22. Sunflowers contain golden spiral geometry at their centers and “a sunny radiance” leaps from inner forms that Francene’s design reveals.
Transformed by this art is an apt reaction.
The hive of fans at Francene’s South Kona Green Market booth on a recent Sunday seemed to agree: there’s a buzz, an awareness of the instant shift. Directly behind the artist is her “Compassionate Pele” banner, an image also printed on cards at her table. The volcano goddess is mostly depicted as a wrathful deity, but Francene knows her creative side. She described it as an “alternate vision of Pele … relating to her passionate/compassionate side.”
Golden spirals wind through the hearts that radiate from Pele’s hands.
When I see it, my eyes, mind and spirit receive this multi-dimensional portrait of Pele all at once, the nervous system shifts and my synaptic wiring realigns with a natural joy and enthusiasm for life.
Francene calls this a “new science of compassion.”
“She, like we, are maturing and becoming more loving, compassionate beings,” Hart said.
It’s so soothing, it’s better than medicine.
Till next time, take two paintings and call me in the morning.
Visit South Kona Green Market Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. near Amy Greenwell Botanical Gardens in Captain Cook to view her work.
Info: www.francenehart.com and www.skgm.org
Contact writer at marya.mann@gmail.com. ■