Image via @frances_cannon
Frances Cannon can’t really remember a time when she didn’t have a pencil in her hand. But what she can remember the moment she realised how powerful art can be in pushing for change and inspiring others. So with perfect bangs and unabashed realness, that’s exactly what the 23-year-old Melbourne based artist has spent the past four years doing.
In that time she’s amassed a seriously loyal following of 47.3k fans on Instagram, who she inspires on the regular with her illustrations and paintings of the female form. Her work is a celebration of femininity and sexuality, and her honest approach to her art has fans joining her club—literally. Under the name The Self Love Club, Frances and her online pals have taken to getting tattoos of her illustrations and positive mantras.
Name?
Frances Cannon.
Instagram handle?
@frances_cannon
Nickname?
None, I don’t like nicknames‚ but I do have a Thai name, Orathai (อรทัย), which means beautiful. I grew up in Thailand, that’s why I have it.
Where are you right now?
I’m sitting at my dining table with my laptop about to start writing my exegesis for my Honours course at Uni! Wish me luck!
What do you do for work?
I go to uni full time at RMIT, and I’m a practicing artist/illustrator.
What do you do for fun?
I draw, sing, watch movies, scroll Instagram, cook stir fry and a variety of other miscellaneous things.
What song will forever put you in a good mood?
Schoolin’ Life by Beyonce (or any Beyonce song to be honest).
Who are the members of your dream girl gang?
Beyonce, Rihanna, ME, Lena Dunham, Laverne Cox and Lupita Nyong’o.
What’s your dream pet?
A dog, 100 percent. Please, someone get me a dog.
What’s something that you’re passionate about?
I’m passionate about feminism and women’s rights and all that comes under that term.
If you had to wear one label for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I don’t really wear many labels. Can I say I’d pick wearing denim (in winter) and linen (in summer) for the rest of my life?
Sure. What were some of the inspirations behind your series I Am Powerful?
I wanted to draw women of different shapes/weights/colours/abilities being confident and comfortable in their own body. Obviously the illustrations are generalised because all women are so different and uniquely beautiful. I’ll probably draw more to add to that series soon.
What do you love about the internet?
I love how the internet (particularly Instagram) can connect artists and musicians and creatives from all around the world! I love the artistic community I have found on Instagram and the people I have been able to meet and collaborate with and do art-swaps with! Melbourne is so full of such amazing creative people. I’m so lucky to be here *tear*.
Describe your Instagram feed?
Art, art, dog, art, friend, art, friend, dog, dog.
Where else can we find you online?
My website. I have a Facebook as well but I’m not very good at updating it. I promise to try! But if you want to see what I get up to everyday, Instagram is my favourite.
Dream dinner date?
Dinner at a Thai restaurant then home to drink red wine and watch Game of Thrones. In this imaginary dream date all of the episodes of this season have been released so I can binge watch.
Country or city?
City. Mainly because I don’t drive and the country doesn’t have public transport like the city does!
Britney or Beyonce?
One million percent BEYONCE.
Heels or sneakers?
Sneakers. I’ve never worn heels over an inch in my life.
Early mornings or late nights?
Early mornings on weekdays and late nights on weekends!
Dating or hanging out?
I’m in a long term relationship but we hang out.
Hotels or camping?
Hotels for sleeping (I couldn’t give up sleeping in a comfy bed) but surrounded by lots of nature walks and beaches.
Credits
Text Hannah Butterworth
Images via @frances_cannon