Coffee with Creators: Fran Collins

Thank goodness for our friend Fran’s “lineage of creators” who graciously led them to the Art Equals studio in Covington.

Traveling down the road from the Cleveland suburbs, Fran Collins is a generous community member, a kind creator, a brilliant question-asker, and Bachelor of Arts-holder in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati. They create in all kinds of ways – from drawings to music, gardens to embroidery.

When we sat down to chat about their creative journey, Fran shared a story that was characterized by connectedness. We wondered about the ways in which creating is linked to other people, other creatures, and our world.

Fran’s mom shared a crafting subscription with them that brought the two of them together. Their grandma knitted blankets and was a storyteller. Their great-grandmother made her own rugs of recycled materials, and these decorated Fran’s childhood home. 

Fran reflected, “Making makes me feel connected to them.” 

And then, they astutely revealed, “I don’t think humans are the only ones who create…Energy is always flowing towards us. Creating is moving it through.”

How do Fran’s words resonate with you? When you create, how are you connected to memories, ideas, people, beings, (fill in the blank) ? What does creating feel like to you? 

This description of creating as transformation is at the center of Fran’s art, which they have received attention for throughout their life.

Since childhood, Fran remembers being praised for their creations. This kind of positive reinforcement was great, until it began to act as a creative barrier rather than a creative support. All of the sudden, Fran was experiencing pressure to “make a good thing,” instead of experiencing the freedom of simply making the thing.

In navigating this struggle with the world’s expectations of their art, Fran has taken care to speak to themselves as they would a child. With grace, affirmation, and warmth. They have courageously asked for help when needed and embraced creating for “this web of connection.”

What voices come into your mind that stop you from creating? What do they say? How can you find ways to tell them 'Thanks, but no thanks'?

You can follow along Fran’s journey by checking out their Instagram @g3ntl3th3y, and you can contact them via email at f.collins1227@gmail.com.