Anna Francis is a Bristol-based printmaker whose work examines the beauty and hidden forms found in decaying plants, with a primary focus on roots. Her practice affirms the interconnectedness of all living things and celebrates nature’s raw and delicate splendour.
Works begin as detailed pencil studies of selected forms. Each drawing is duplicated, mirrored and arranged to reveal a final composition that generates new, recognisable structures not visible in the original study. Through mirroring, Francis amplifies the inherent structure and elegance of the natural subject.
Each plate is hand-etched and printed through the press onto Japanese gampi paper, a choice that further enhances the organic qualities of the work. Editions are deliberately scarce — typically one or two impressions from each finished plate — which lends a unique, intimate presence to every piece.
Francis has exhibited widely since 2020. Selected highlights include the RE Printmakers Small But Mighty exhibition (Outstanding Emerging Printmaker award), Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair 2025 (Director’s Cut), RWA Bristol Paper Works Exhibition 2025, Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Exhibition 2024, Cambridge Contemporary Art Spring Exhibition 2024, and The Discerning Eye Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London 2023.
Anna Francis is a Bristol-based printmaker whose work examines the beauty and hidden forms found in decaying plants, with a primary focus on roots. Her practice affirms the interconnectedness of all living things and celebrates nature’s raw and delicate splendour.
Works begin as detailed pencil studies of selected forms. Each drawing is duplicated, mirrored and arranged to reveal a final composition that generates new, recognisable structures not visible in the original study. Through mirroring, Francis amplifies the inherent structure and elegance of the natural subject.
Each plate is hand-etched and printed through the press onto Japanese gampi paper, a choice that further enhances the organic qualities of the work. Editions are deliberately scarce — typically one or two impressions from each finished plate — which lends a unique, intimate presence to every piece.
Francis has exhibited widely since 2020. Selected highlights include the RE Printmakers Small But Mighty exhibition (Outstanding Emerging Printmaker award), Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair 2025 (Director’s Cut), RWA Bristol Paper Works Exhibition 2025, Ironbridge Fine Arts Printmaking Exhibition 2024, Cambridge Contemporary Art Spring Exhibition 2024, and The Discerning Eye Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London 2023.
