What inspired you to start Francis Gallery, and how has your vision evolved since its beginning?
I wanted to create a gallery that caters to folks like me, and emphasises the relationship between a work and its environment. That was the original impetus, and it remains mostly true today — ‘mostly’ because everything is in flux, and because over the years, we’ve layered in more to our original vision and mission.
What draws you to certain places, objects, or artworks? Is there something intangible you look for when curating a space or collection?
I’ll share a series of adjectives that feels true to what I’m searching for across places, objects and artworks: honest, nuanced, seasoned, patinaed, thoughtful, unexpected, striking, at times whimsical, and attuned.
How do you bring a sense of intimacy into the spaces you create at Francis Gallery? You have spent much of your life traveling and experiencing different cultures. How have these experiences shaped the way you see beauty, and well-being and connection?
For me, familiarity begets intimacy. That inexplicable sense of walking into a new space and feeling as though you've already been there before. Not because you recognize specific artworks or architectural details, but because you just know how to move through it. The space makes sense to you, you feel comfortable, and in turn, acquainted with it. That's a bit abstract, but if that lands — that is the brand of intimacy that I'm striving for. A kind of warmth and welcome that leads to an involuntary familiarity.
You have spent much of your life traveling and experiencing different cultures. How have these experiences shaped the way you see beauty, and well-being and connection?
Nature is the nexus where every version of beauty converges. While each country and culture has its own set of beauty ideals when it comes to aesthetics, a pristine, natural landscape transcends all of them. It resonates with us at a primal level — it's beyond language, it communicates directly with our nervous systems. The more I think on 'beauty,' the more I'm convinced that beauty is ultimately a feeling, of being connected, and of being supremely comfortable in one's own skin and environment. The ease that arises from that — that, to me, is the ultimate expression of both beauty and well-being.
Travel can often shift our perspective and our sense of routine. What rituals help you feel grounded wherever you are?
I don't have many vices at this point in my life — coffee is my sole one, if we can call it that. It's the one non-negotiable morning ritual for me. Wherever I am in the world, I'll always know where I'm getting my first cup of coffee to kickstart the day.
What role do sensory experiences play in how you experience a new place or create a sense of home?
Scent is crucial. Both my home and my workplace carry a distinct fragrance. I have a penchant for earthy, woody notes. I’ll regularly burn Palo Santo, and otherwise, I exclusively burn Perfumer H incense; Ink and Wood Land are my two favorites from the brand.
Is there a place you find yourself returning to for inspiration, reflection, or renewal?
I'm not someone who goes back to a place — unless I have to, for personal or work reasons — as there are too many places in the world I wish to visit before my time is up. Having said that, there is an exception: ever since moving to LA, I find myself returning to Ojai. I feel a gravitational pull toward this town; I don't need a reason or an itinerary, I just go. I keep going back because equanimity somehow feels more within grasp when I'm there. Photo by Rich Stapleton.
What does beauty mean to you today, and has that definition changed over time?
To have one's health and to be in alignment with the natural progression of life — a definition that's deepened for me with time. This means not only accepting, but also wholeheartedly celebrating, the beautiful process of aging.
What are some small rituals or objects that make you feel connected to yourself, no matter where you are?
Reading as a ritual, books as objects — this is how I stay connected to myself. Reading has been the one constant in my life since I was a kid; it's what brings me to my most contented state. Bookworm for life!
ROSA'S EDIT
Since moving to LA, my skin has become drier, so keeping it hydrated throughout the day has become a must. Like many of us, my life feels like a juggling act, so products that not only work but are also comforting and easy to fold into my routine win. I love the fineness of the mist when spritzing Serotoner, its transportive scent, and how gentle it feels on my skin. It's often on my desk, doing double duty as a hydrator and afternoon pick-me-up.