Frank Ross
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Biography
Mixed media on wood
35" X 47"
Frank Ross was born in 1953 near Wellington, South Africa. He is a self-taught artist working primarily with acrylic on wood along with found materials.
He was educated at the William Lloyd Primary School and the Paulus Joubert High School in Paarl. Pressured by financial difficulties at home, he had to leave school in order to work to supplement the family income. He completed the studies for his junior certificate by studying part-time.
He was "discovered" by the E'Bezweni Art Group (E.A.G.) in 1996. Art Groups such as E'Bezweni provided a platform for emerging talent in the so called "coloured" communities. Lacking the means for a formal art education, Frank benefited from their meetings and workshops. These were marked by a vigorous climate of experimentation and lively discussion. The group influenced each other in areas such as the use of incised Supa wood and choice of vibrant palette. Frank continues to use the Supa wood extensively in his work.
His work is an original response to his environment. It falls within a tradition of genre art that has universal appeal.
His work forms part of private, public and corporate collections.
Artist's Statement
I sketch figures roughly and then I paint. As I work it comes together and then I can see what is happening. Normally I see someone walking. I don't know where he is coming from, or how far. Most people have to walk a distance. If they want to do something, they do it. That's what gives me inspiration. They have nothing but they go on.
Colour is important to me. For example, red symbolizes the unhappiness I associate with the land. There is always trouble. People have so many problems with land. Then there is the political trouble.