By Tammy Schneider

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Judy Francissen has a love of natural and pastoral landscapes, so it is no wonder she chose to pursue a career that keeps her behind the camera.

She is the featured artist, working in the medium of photography, at the Victoria Park Gallery this month, and has on display and for sale, a collection of her work that will be enjoyed by anyone who shares her love of nature.

“I love nature,” said Francissen. “I just want to show people the beauty of this country. We have just as much beauty in Ontario as in British Columbia, Alberta and the east coast. Ontario has its own unique beauty.”

As a pre-teen, she was the family photographer as well as taking photos of puppies born on the family kennel. By 19 she had purchased her boyfriend’s 35mm camera, and enrolled in courses that would teach her technique and negative and print development.

Her switch to a digital camera was pivotal for her. She can often be found shooting with her cell phone, a small power shot or with her Nikon. She mattes and frames her own photographs and sells through her home gallery and at craft shows.

She and her husband were making a regular trip to Kincardine, a community she say is their “favourite town – we just love it so much,” when they wandered into the Victoria Park Gallery. She enquired about showing her work, and was pleased and surprised when invited to have her own show in July.

“I’m just so grateful for being a guest artist,” Francissen said. “My stuff gets to be among all this beautiful art.”

The Victoria Park Gallery is open daily from noon until 4 p.m., with recommended cleaning and distancing measures in place.