Collection: Franzeska Ewart

Franzeska Ewart was born in Stranraer and, after graduating in Medical Sciences from Glasgow University, went on to teach English as an Additional Language, often using puppetry to encourage language development.

While teaching in Pakistan she developed the use of shadow puppetry to facilitate story-telling and self-expression, and on her return to Scotland decided to explore this magical medium full-time. She travelled widely, teaching her methods to children and adults alike, and painting and writing in her spare time.

She has written over 25 books - mainly for children - and in 2011 was shortlisted for a Scottish Children’s Book Award. These days she writes for adults, but spends most of her time painting in oils, creating dreamlike worlds where women and birds have strong emotional connections.

In some paintings the birds bring the women small, simple gifts from which they derive comfort, support, or protection. In others, the bird’s egg itself is the gift, the symbol suggesting a new beginning, an increase in self-confidence, or the fulfilment of a dream.

Franzeska and her partner Adam McLean run the Studio and Gallery, Kilbirnie, where they promote emerging artists by giving them solo shows in a professionally-curated space. They also make video presentations of their work, which they place on their YouTube site.