Francoise Lane

Francoise Lane’s creative practice straddles the intersection of art and design with a focus on indigenous themes and values. As a descendant of the Meriam and Kaurareg peoples of Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islands, Australia) Lane’s practice draws upon her family’s cultural values of respecting and caring for land and sea, taking only what you need and honouring elders. She produces fine art work, sculptural furniture, textile designs and collaboratively works with indigenous art centres and independent artists on creative projects.

She is instinctively drawn to subjects where patterns create their own ‘energy’ on a canvas.


I am researching and developing studies for a new body of work with a working title called ‘Reframing the Ceremonial’. The work visually responds to my Nene’s (Grandmother’s) Tombstone Unveiling ceremony and life legacy through a cross-cultural lens. I am interested in commonly shared Indigenous people’s cultural values globally. The studies will inform new artwork presenting a contemporary visual narrative of a Torres Strait Islander ceremonial practice.

Francoise Lane’s residency is realised with support from The Australia Council for the Arts.