Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist January 2019 | Page 54

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Interview
A Man of Art
Diplomatist recently spoke to the renowned Indo-
Argentine artist Thomas Francis: excerpts …
Tell us about yourself! What is your background, and
how would you describe your work?
My name is Thomas Francis. I was born in Bombay on
19th April 1966. I did my school and college education in
Bombay. I started on my artistic journey without any formal
training in art. It has been a total autodidactic experience.
My works are basically geometrical abstracts. I have tried
my hands in non-geometric works also but I always returned
to the geometric ones. All my works have a story, there is an
idea, a concept that I am trying to express. Most of them are
about life and people.
Why did you choose abstract as your creative style of
choice?
I have always been good in geometry. Abstract art is pure
imagination. There is nothing to copy from.
Your website bio says, “Thomas Francis has taken
advantage of his diverse cultural experience to portray
them in colourful abstract art.” In the context of that
statement, how in your opinion, does culture aff ect an
artist’s artwork?
I have lived in a few places. People and lifestyle in various
places are very diff erent; their customs are diff erent. Most of
my works are telling a story about people and their way of
life. So yes – living in various places does refl ect in my works.
What does your work aim to say?
Through my works, I am basically trying to spread the
importance of living in peace and harmony. The world is a
beautiful place. Everything in nature is in perfect harmony.
We, humans, are disrupting it by missing out on the very
basic thing in nature.
What role does the artist have in society?
As an artist, I try to express my feelings and my views.
Many in society agree and many disagree with my views. As
an artist, I will continue to create new works. What society
thinks and feels about it is up to them.
What are your biggest infl uences?
My wife and my daughter. The perfection in nature.
What is your greatest indulgence in life?
My art. Cooking is also a great passion.
What is the most challenging part of being an artist?
The most challenging part is the idea. Since my art is pure
imagination – getting the idea is often the most diffi cult. Once
that is there fi nishing is not very hard.
54 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 1 • January 2019, Noida