What is the best thing I love about my work?

Before I start ‘working’, which I don’t actually consider to be work, I love the state of ‘levitation’ that I deliberately put myself in before painting. It is essential for me to be in the right vibrational frequency to express myself.

My works begin and are created unconsciously in this phase of internal connection. It is a trance-like state in this reality that leads me to a ‘I don’t know where’ for the duration of the creative process.

I love the medium of oil painting, which I use pure or barely diluted to preserve its variable thickness and allow for greater or lesser density. Conversing with this medium is a real connection to my intuition and my feelings.

What intense joy when these feelings expressed in the work resonate with the feelings of those who look at it. And what an even more intense joy it is when it resonates with the feelings of children. 

What is my conception of happiness?

My conception of happiness… Living each moment in total freedom; deciding where, when and with whom to experience everything there is to experience and everything one wishes to experience. With complete lightness, without tension and without any obligation.  An intrinsic fluidity in this happiness that can be perceived on a daily basis. 

What is my greatest fear?

My greatest fear used to be dying. Today, I accept that with every passing minute, we die a little. And that this end here on earth is inevitable. We do not know where we come from, nor where we are going. We are only passing through. And the end here is just a beginning or a continuation towards somewhere else. So what? What should we be afraid of?

What character trait do I dislike most about myself?

Clearly multi-talented, I regret my tendency to ‘dive headfirst into a subject that interests me, and then stop just short of the finish line’, leaving it unfinished. I put it down, I put it on hold, I’ll definitely come back to it later, when I could have finished it right away. And my mind would have been freed! 

Who are the living people in my profession that I admire the most?

Although I am in awe of the expertise of many artists, Fabienne Verdier remains, in my eyes, ‘the Artist’. I discovered her career through her website and exhibitions where I was able to appreciate her incredibly pure work.  The depth of her artistic research takes me on a journey and moves me deeply. Everything and nothing through her use of materials and the masterful strokes of her incredible brush. My first discoveries left me speechless. I am very sensitive to her art.

What do I dislike most about my job?

I dislike being told that you absolutely must be on social media to make yourself known. I am convinced that there are other opportunities and other ways for artists to showcase their work and make a name for themselves.

Where and when have I been happiest in my job?

I am always overjoyed when I put on my painting clothes and head to my studio. I retreat into my own little world for a while, often not wanting to come back out. 

One experience made me particularly happy in my work when, as an amateur, I dared to submit a white triptych to the Premier Artiste d’Europe competition in Milan. It was my first official experience as an artist. Imagine my surprise and delight when I found out I was among the top 50 out of 400 artists selected! This result clearly encouraged and reassured me to continue this crazy adventure of radically changing my professional life.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I already have! From now on, I’m going to stop saying yes to everything just to avoid upsetting people and to please them. I’m allowing myself to say no when my intuition and feelings guide me, or simply when I don’t feel like it. I agree to do certain things when my heart says yes. And if a subsequent feeling tells me to leave the road, I take the turn without scruples or qualms. 

What is my greatest professional achievement?

Having had the audacity to embark on this wonderful adventure of being a painter, even though nothing predestined me for it. Having been able to say no to everything I no longer felt in tune with and daring to take the leap towards a new life. Although! An introduction to drawing and various media as a teenager planted a seed deep, deep in my subconscious, and that seed germinated quietly. And without warning, what had been a purely amateur activity became my profession.

Where would I like to live?

Sri Lanka, for some unknown reason, speaks to me. I dream of visiting many other countries, of course. But Sri Lanka calls to me… This island that I don’t know. I would love to visit Sri Lanka to discover its beauty, its culture, its diversity, its art, its people, and much more. Why Sri Lanka? I have no idea. Have I lived there before? Perhaps. To be continued.

What is my most precious possession?

Patience… I know how to be patient, very patient with people… but only up to a point. Until it becomes abuse. Once that point is passed, I’m out of there. Don’t ask me for anything anymore, and I’ll disappear quietly, without fanfare, in peace.

What is my most distinctive characteristic?

My most distinctive characteristic is my cheerful disposition and constant sense of humour, which I readily share with everyone. Making people laugh and seeing them happy makes me laugh and makes me happy. My motto is to be serious about joy, good humour and derision. Life is too short to burden yourself with unnecessary things. The ultimate goal: freedom in all its forms.

Where in my city inspires me the most?

Although my village, one of the most beautiful villages in France, is beautiful and inspiring, it is the surrounding area that really inspires me! The vineyards on the outskirts and the forest just a little further away are magnificent. Places where silence reigns supreme. Being alone in this much sought-after silence. And suddenly, the birdsong in the walnut tree or the crackling of branches in the wind bring another dimension to this silence. Suddenly, osmosis. The osmosis of nature, the osmosis of life. The osmosis of universal creation. And unconsciously, a new work takes shape in the depths of my mind.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink in my city?

A very pleasant bistronomic restaurant, the only restaurant open to date in the village. A place where it is good to discover revisited dishes. A place where you can discover fine wines from my region, as well as incredible wines from elsewhere. A place where you can discover works by various artists on display and for sale.

Which books have influenced my life and how?

My life has been influenced by George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, and Neville Goddard’s You Are the Way. 

These books ask questions about the why and how of our existence. Are we on the right path? How should we respond to all these questions? Are we straying towards something that does not belong to us? Is letting go the answer?

We only die once. What music would I listen to on the last day of my life?

Even if it means leaving my carbon body behind, I would like to let go to Mozart’s Requiem. Once I am gone, my daughters are invited to put aside their tears, to sing, to dance, to celebrate Life. We do not die. We simply move on to the next room.  

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

James Bond, the epitome of British class. Intelligent, gentle and tough at the same time, efficient. Devoted to his country. What else!

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

We are energy, and whatever anyone says, we feed on energy. 

However, I am sincerely grateful to the beekeepers who pamper their bees, without whom pollination would not take place, and to the market gardeners who continue the work started by the bees.

This beautiful partnership makes beautiful plants grow! 

Which film would I recommend seeing once in a lifetime?

There are several. I would gladly suggest two: The Truman Show and The Matrix.

I prefer The Matrix, although both express the same idea. 

I first saw The Matrix when I was 50, and it really made me think. Fake or not? The question begs to be asked. Is our reality real or not? Are we real or not? This always brings me back to my belief in the existence of our multi-dimensionality. Real or not? 

What role do stories play in my life and work?

The stories in my life all play a very specific role. When I find myself in a situation, whether positive or negative, I like to rewind the film. How and why am I here? The events that follow one after the other are unconsciously very well orchestrated. Whatever we may think, we clearly have appointments with the people, places and objects around us. Everything is going wonderfully! 

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ mean to me?

These words tell me that, indeed, our own lives depend on what we create in our subconscious. 

If I tell myself a sad story, I live a sad story.

If I tell myself a wonderful story, I live a wonderful story!!!! All dreams are permitted, and all can manifest themselves in reality. The key is to believe in them deeply. Therefore, telling yourself a magnificent story is not an option.

Who is my biggest fan, my biggest sponsor, my biggest ally?

My biggest ally is my intuition. Before making a decision, I “consult” my intuition. By not listening to it in the past, I have made some big mistakes in my life. Today, I put myself in this energy of listening and feeling before embarking on a new adventure, whether personal or professional. Fluidity and serenity are required, otherwise I move on. 

Who would I like to work with?

Although she is not very accessible, I would like to meet and work with Fabienne Verdier, my undeniable artistic idol, if possible. 

I would also like to meet and work with Slavica Bogdanov, a person who is incredibly rich in advice of all kinds.

I would gladly add film or theatre companies for set design, and haute couture houses for fabric design. 

What project am I looking forward to working on?

I am looking forward to working on the paintings for my next exhibitions, which will take place in October and December.

And to finding new venues and meeting new people to showcase my art.

Where can you see me or my work?

You can discover my artistic approach and my works on my website http://www.francoisefuncke.com, on Instagram Françoise Funcke – Arte e Cappuccino, on Facebook Françoise Funcke, and on LinkedIn Françoise Funcke Artiste Peintre.

What do the words ‘Passion never retires’ mean to me?

Passion leaves no room for boredom. Although boredom allows the imagination to wander into unexpected realms.

No matter how much time passes, a passionate person is and remains passionate throughout their life. And the more time passes, the more they take the time to live their passion. 

Passions are limitless, from the simplest to the craziest. Passion is part of life, and makes it so much more 

How can you contact me?

You can see my website www.francoisefuncke.com

email me direct: francoisefuncke@protonmail.com

You can connect through Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/françoise-funcke-3690478a/

Message me on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/francoisefuncke

Message me on Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/FrancoiseFuncke