20/20 Vision, Second Edition

The Art of Contemporary University Printmaking

Madison Ke Francis

I believe in the art experience. I believe it is possible, even probable, that reading books, experiencing plays, viewing good art, and listening to beautiful music can make a person a more complete and empathetic human being. I believe that experiences can be shared, emotions expressed and understood, and that these communications offer us insights into the human condition and increase both our tolerance and our appreciation of our fellow humans.

The characters (both human and animal) that are portrayed in my work often find themselves in stressful situations. They face dangers both real and imagined. Their worlds turn upside down, they are surrounded by traps, and in some cases they are the aware and evident prey and victims of nature’s most harsh designs. Still, they are indomitable. Their spirit maintains them and across a multitude of artworks they persevere, survive, and overcome their difficulties.

There are darker aspects to my work but these serve as backdrops for heroic actions and persistent survivals rather than a gratuitous play for dramatic emotional responses on the part of the viewer.