I have admired the work of artist Francine Turk for years after first discovering her beautiful charcoal nudes at Chicago’s Randolph Street Market and then watching her stretch and soar to new heights with her Next Level Bad Ass tribute to Miles Davis (she was hand-selected by the Davis family to create work).
So it was a thrill to not only spend time with beautiful works for purchase in Chicago the other day, but to embrace Francine and experience her work and world up close and personal. Even though the mood was quiet at the vault as collectors and designers snapped up works on paper, canvas, and leather left and right, fireworks exploded in technicolor within my own amygdala and inner sanctuary. So much passion and pain. So much longing, light, and rock and roll emerging!
I may not have even heard about the opening of the vault of her inventory were it not for Instagram (follow me...still a newbie I am!). Over the last couple of weeks, I have watched Turk lovingly and brilliantly utilize her IG feed to raise funds for the lives lost in the Las Vegas massacre by offering up powerful works she creates daily to honor the life of Tom Petty.
We’re not talking a handful of new paintings inspired by Petty; but rather, at least one inspired work for every soul lost in Vegas. (Your resident fairy peasant blogger here tried to snag one but works were typically claimed within 4 seconds…boo!) In lieu of accepting payment or placing a price on the paintings, she requested screenshots of donations made to the humanitarian cause, MusiCares.
Sooooo Genius and Bold. I don’t know about you, but witnessing such compassion from a fearless artist in pursuit of truth, brings buoyant hope to my heart.
It’s not only MusiCares that Turk supports; she also contributes to the efforts of the GRAMMY Foundation and the annual show benefiting the Silverlake Conxervatory of Music, founded by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, curated by the Gagosian and Flea.
Let’s have a look at a sample of her genius.
Pieces by the hand of an artist breathe soul into a space like nothing else can.
— FRANCINE TURK
I’m dying to know what is next for Francine Turk, but it didn’t feel appropriate to distract the artist with questions as she focused on raising funds for charity. I hope that the future luminosity emerging from her hands will continue to pierce and reflect the mysteries of her depth and divine longing and be recycled into peace.
p.s. Thank you, Jo, for snapping pics while I luxuriated in the work.
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Beautiful idea and her work is amazing! What a touching tribute to those who lost their lives in this tragedy. xo
Author
I was knocked out by her swift action to make a difference! Her IG went nuts with people stalking it to get a chance to buy a painting!
I purchased one of her paintings years ago, maybe 10+ years ago. I am looking forward to seeing what she is up to. Thank you for posting!
Author
Lucky you, Elaine! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂
I wonder what the name of. Francine turk’s painting that was featured in a people magazine article on October 2019 that showed a Francis Turk painting behind the couch of Donnie wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy’s living room. Are there prints available?
Author
Hi Gayle. Her work is incredible, and I know she released limited editions books of prints recently. You can direct any purchasing questions to this email: [email protected]
I went to school with Francine from 3rd through 12th grade in the south suburbs of Chicago and I knew she was going to be a famous and important artist when she got older.
The sketches she would draw in 3rd grade were WAY beyond what any typical 3rd grader was capable of. She truly was blessed with a gift right out of the womb.
I’m so glad her gorgeous art has resonated with you so deeply! Francine is a pretty awesome human and I love how her gift has touched so many people!
And I LOVE your blog. I’ve been a subscriber for at least a couple of years now and I’m constantly pinning the gorgeous images in your posts!
Author
How cool is that!?! Her art leaves me breathless with all the music in there, the layers of truth, and so much sexy elegance. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs too. Chicago girls are just the best…they have a distinctive directness, a Midwestern sensibility, and maybe a toughness that comes from dealing with harsh weather and all that directness! Thank you for visiting me – heading over to your site and hoping you don’t live too far away! 🙂