Sophie De Francesca
Sophie's ethereal wiremesh figures can be found in prestigious collections worldwide. Her pieces consist of galvanized steel and stainless steel and are often finished using finer meshes such as aluminum or brass. Each has its own special presence and personality and all are hand-formed, so no two pieces are alike.
  "I feel such a strong connectedness to those who came before me. The metal meshes I use to build these figures is like a metaphor for the strength of the women portrayed, yet it is manifested in such a gentle and graceful manner."
   Canadian-born, Sophie graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1990. After years of experimenting with various art forms, she realized her focus. While experimenting with cement as a sculptural medium, it was necessary to build a wire armature base. In 2002, de Francesca brought one of these armatures to a gallery to demonstrate the process her work entailed. Viewers were amazed and excited by the unusual and striking wire piece and her cement work became a thing of the past. That was the moment Sophie began earnestly, and with enthusiasm, to explore the huge potential of the wire mesh form as a finished work of art. She has never looked back. 
  Sophie currently lives and works in Ontario with her artist husband, Franco, and their two sons.