Francis Johansen was born in Platteville, Wis. In 1971. He starting drawing when he was very young and by age five monsters and dinosaurs – including movie primate King Kong – were among his favorite subjects.

Francis’ parents recognized his talent and interest in art and while in grade school he had private drawing instruction. In high school, he enrolled in art classes at UW-Platteville to improve his technique. He earned a BFA in design from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), where his senior show was based on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

While at MCAD, Francis began working for a roofing company. This was his first of many jobs in the construction trades and he eventually became a skilled carpenter and general contractor. Over the years much of his work included buildings and other structures, reflecting his appreciation for the world of bricks and mortar. He also brought an artist’s eye to his carpentry and homebuilding, often focusing as much on the aesthetics of a construction project as on the functionality.

Francis spent eight years in Denver, Colo., where he joined The CORE, a cooperative gallery and later was represented by Ron Judish Fine Arts. While in Denver, he self published an illustrated book as part of a solo show called Bacon, which explored the rise and fall of a product and how consumerism is what we sometimes look to for our identities.

In 2004, Francis moved from Denver to New York City where he was creating art, working as a carpenter and starting to make contacts in the art world. He died unexpectedly in 2005 at age 34. Before his death, he had secured a show in New Canaan, Conn. and in May 2006, his family hung the show in his honor.

Francis always appreciated irony, silliness and the absurd. He was a gourmet cook and he loved hunting and fishing with his father. With three older sisters, he learned to use sweetness to his benefit, and he was a loyal friend.

Prints of some works as well as cards and copies of Bacon are available for purchase. Proceeds go to a memorial fund which provides scholarships for students studying art or art education and to help defray the costs of future shows.