Frances Listou

Background

About Frances Listou

Frances Listou did not start carving until her husband, Erik, gifted her a hammer, chisels, and a stone; see Moon Struck in the Alabaster Gallery on her website After that, she became a "stoner," but does not smoke. she carves rocks! When she finds a stone that appeals to her, she will set it aside, sometimes for over a decade. Looking at it occasionally, or just think about the shape and color, imagining what she wants it to be. This is the “work” part. Then it just happens! She will either see an image that will “fit” the stone or just start carving; now she is “playing”. Frances enjoys this direct carving method, without an image or model. But at times, uses a maquette, usually in clay, as a guide. She will chip, grind, and sand the stone until she is saturated and satisfied with what has transpired. Occasionally, a mold from a stone or clay sculpture becomes a bronze piece. When not "stoning", clay, acrylic pouring, and alcohol ink have her attention. To Frances' delight, her "playing" has earned awards and collectors. Living and creating her art in Colorado since 1978 is a blessing for Frances. She declares "Creating something, anything, throughout my life, gives me pleasure and purpose."