While I was teaching at RISD, 1976-1979, I made “environmental portraits” of people I knew in Providence, including students. I was interested in photographing Francesca because her “lifestyle” was such an integrated part of her art-making. Her clothing and living situation incorporated the richness of Victorian textures coupled with the ever-present evidence of decay. This was a genuine projection of her persona and not some “style” or device put together as photographic prop.
Today there is obviously a strong following of Francesca and her work. I think her photography continues to resonate with viewers today because of the directness and accessibility of her vision. She projects a haunting melancholy along with a playful, often sensual, acceptance of being captured by the entropy of living. Her casual camera and printing technique reinforce this view of her environment.
