FRANCES SWIGART

Frances Swigart Steg is a New Orleans-born painter and printmaker. She works mainly in the 15th century craft of etching. Her introduction to printmaking was in 1961 at the Newcomb Art School of Tulane University. For more than fifty years since, Frances has served an extensive client list of designers, architects, corporate clients, and private collectors. A more than 100-year-old printing press prints originals from the substantial collection of copper plates that she has created. The quantity of her inventory takes a lifetime to produce. Frances has decided to revisit her archives and offer new interpretations.  

“For me, printing is as natural as breathing”, Frances says.

Frances skillfully merges the methodical, mechanical craft of printing with spontaneity. In addition to her expertise in traditional intaglio etching, she is also known for integrating a range of papers and manipulation techniques. This includes printing on hand-marbled papers, water-coloring, gold and aluminum leafing, collage, sewing, and beading. She explores new projects like solving puzzles, knowing that, in the end, the pieces will fit.  Trust and synergy are the tools of her trade. She describes this as “playing” – calmly investigating, tinkering, and reworking until the final form reveals itself. Thoughts flow from knowledge in the practiced hand. Frances intuitively knows that a unique image will emerge. 

Frances has embraced the Japanese concept of ikigai  (生き甲斐), which is often translated as “purpose in life” or “a reason for being.” Frances has gravitated to artwork since childhood. Now, she knows that the best output is in maturity. She trusts her approach of letting images reveal themselves through the process. 

Frances was mentored by her future husband, James Steg* at Newcomb. After graduating with a BFA in 1964, she taught at the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Her focus was the use of their etching press after-hours. Her prints were recognized in the nearby design market in Atlanta. This was the catalyst for her successful entry into the fine art market. In the mid-1970s, Frances returned home to New Orleans and began printing from her own Atelier. It was not until her father’s visit to the studio that she learned her connection to printmaking spanned generations. Her father was surprised to see a press just like the one his father had used. Frances’ grandfather had died long before she was born, yet both chose the same medium.

Frances Swigart Steg continues innovating in the language of the print and the wisdom of her 79 years. Her stunning prints are always handmade, original, and created with a deep passion for the process.

* To view James Steg’s art please visit www.jimsteg.com