Salmon Chronicles | Lac + Indigo

12 x 2.5 x 1 cm

salmon leather, paper, linen thread 

Debra Frances' work explores the intersection of nature, storytelling, and craftsmanship through unique, sculptural forms. The earrings she has created for The Earring Show 2025 are made from salmon leather, which she hand-tans using oak galls and dyes with a variety of natural dyes. The method of binding is a variation of the Italian 16th century long stitch binding. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and the places that hold personal significance to her, Debra brings these elements into her work, merging her love for the environment with her craft. By incorporating materials like salmon leather, she not only celebrates the tactile qualities of the materials but also imbues each piece with a story - one that connects her to the land, the water, and nature. The concept of wearing knowledge, wisdom, and stories is central to her practice, as she transforms these raw, often overlooked materials into wearable works of art. Through this project, Debra continues her exploration of place and material, elevating the significance of both by using sustainable and locally sourced resources. Her work challenges the boundaries between fine craft and art, while also offering a deeply personal and immersive experience for the wearer.

Debra Frances is a bookbinder and book artist based in Manitoba, Canada. She has over 15 years of experience in the field, with a practice focused on blending fine craft with artistic expression. Debra has obtained her Core Certificate in the Book Arts from the Minnesota Center for Book Arts in Minneapolis. She has also studied under several master bookbinders. Her artistic journey is rooted in a deep connection to her environment, with her recent work incorporating foraged sustainable materials like, fish leather, seaweed, and local plant matter. Debra's work has garnered recognition both locally and internationally, with her artist books held in prestigious collections such as the Thomas Fisher Library Special Collections in Toronto, the Bruce Peel Special Collections in Edmonton, and the Bridwell Library Special Collections in Dallas, Texas. She has received multiple grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, Manitoba Arts Council, and the Winnipeg Arts Council, supporting her creative projects and ongoing exploration of sculptural bookbinding. Throughout her career, Debra has continuously expanded her practice by incorporating new techniques and experimenting with innovative materials. She is currently focused on developing her skills in papermaking, ink-making, and natural dyeing, further enhancing the depth and complexity of her sculptural book art. Her work reflects a commitment to sustainability, cultural storytelling, and a profound connection to the landscapes and materials she engages with.