​Studio Visit with Sculptor Frances Semple
November 2021 in Victoria BC

Four views of Jonah, by Frances Semple, 10.5x7x11 in, hydrostone

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​A studio visit with sculptor Frances Semple is a learning opportunity. Watching the artist at work, modelling a clay sculpture in her studio,
​I marvel at her skills and confidence. The well-worked mound of clay on the table looks quite different from the grand sculptures I’ve viewed in art history. The surface of the sculpture is roughly hewn with visible indentations, peaks and valleys. The seated figure is a torso without a head or arms, with one foot tucked under a bent knee. Semple spritzes to keep the clay wet, then presses and molds the material with strong hands. While working, she patiently explains the procedures involved in mould-making and casting. A professional sculptor, Semple is eager to share her wealth of knowledge.

Reclining Male, 2/9, Concrete, wax, 22 x 32 x 16 in.

A Void, 1/9, 19x10x11in, polymer/gypsum.

​Semple often works from her imagination, but used a live model for this current work. “Im trying to capture a special gesture or moment,” she says. At times, Semple forms her figures with a smooth realism. But this figure shows textural interest from energetic mark-making. Texture is also an important part of her completed sculptures, which are sometimes finished with a wax glaze for softness and sheen. “For me, sculpture is all about the love of line,” she says. “I use the human figure, observing the shape of the body and how it changes with emotions and experiences.”

​Today, the clay sculpture in her studio is a torso with a bent knee. But tomorrow this might change. Over the weeks ahead, she will continue to make adjustments to the basic pose. Not only the position but the sex of the figure can change a few times.
At some point, she will connect with the emotional tone of a posture and focus in. Semple describes the process of clay modelling as a wonderful exploration. “Sometimes the pieces reflect my own emotions,” she says, “other times they take on a life of their own.”

The Soloist 1/9, 9.25 x 18 x 27.25 in, Hydrostone

Daydreamer 1/9, 7.25 Diameter x 18.25 in, Hydrostone

​Semple’s career is expansive, honed over decades of dedication. She is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Emily Carr University. Her sculptures and paintings are collected internationally and found in galleries across North America. The photo shows her solo exhibition at Winchester Galleries in 2008. Many of the sculptures on this webpage are now available at Madrona Gallery. Owner Michael Warren, appreciates Semple’s ability to show the weighing and positioning of forms. “The way her figures sit in space can appear unusual,” he says, “yet oddly perfect.” The tactility of Semple’s surfaces show her hands-on process, he notes. “Frances references myth and history in her visual narratives,” Warren says, “but stays true to her own voice and vision.”

Winchester Galleries showing 2008 exhibition artworks.

​​Frances Semple was born in Scotland into an artistic family. She was a young child when they moved to Canada. Her father sculpted in wood as a hobby; her mother worked in watercolours. There was a library of art books and encouragement for the budding artist. Family trips to Europe opened her eyes to “sculptures on every bridge and square.” Semple attended high school in Brampton, Ontario. Fortunately, a dedicated art teacher introduced her to figurative sculpture.

​Clay figures are sculpted on an armature made from materials like rebar and twisted wire. Once finished, Semple makes a mould of the clay. For casting, she uses a variety of materials including hydrostone, concrete and polymer/gypsum. Sculptures can be re-cast and come in an edition of nine. Visit her website to see the variety of fine art creations available.
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One un-moulding experience left Semple with a cracked and broken sculpture. But she grew to appreciate the impromptu look of the armature poking out of the sculpture. “I liked the spontaneous feel,” she says, “it reminded me of a quickly sketched drawing.” By 1997, she had perfected the art of “broken concrete” which exposes parts of the armature. Semple also casts in bronze, which is expensive and done in a foundry. When casting in bronze her creative input involves making the clay figures and adding the patina afterwards.

Centaur, 1/9, 10 x 3 x 7 in, Hydrostone

Cwén, 3/9, 24x13.5x15 in, polymer/gypsum.

The artist has many influences from both classical and contemporary sources. “But I aim to create from my own place,” she says. She draws Inspiration from other forms of art, and the diverse ways in which artists express their ideas. Her interests include space/time theories and the impact of cause and effect on events. A recent sculpture illuminates a Celtic tradition that honours bees as intermediaries between the physical and spirit worlds. Another, explores the relationship of the earth within the universe. It's easy to see why my studio visit with this gifted sculptor was an enlightening experience.

Visit Madrona Gallery website here

Frances Semple welcomes your interest and can be reached at [email protected]. 

Visit Frances' website here:


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​Web Design and Content by Kate Cino
Arts writer published in Focus on Victoria, Yam and Boulevard. 
History in Art degree and Public Relations certificate from 
​the University of Victoria
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