In memory of John ffrench 1928-2010

Exactly 16 years have passed since my dad, John ffrench succumbed to the prostate cancer that snuck up and grabbed him two years before he exited this realm.  He didn’t suffer much but for the last couple of months and even that time was filled with creative high-jinx and wonderful conversation.  In my memory, he told me how much he loved my outfit every day - asking about specific accessories or garments, many of which we had procured together on thrifting trips.
I don’t really have a BEST friend, but John ffrench was right up there in my circle - best Dad and friend.  We traveled together in the last years of his life when my mom, Primm, was keen to hang at home with the grandbabies.  She encouraged his/our wanderlust as long as he had a travel buddy for international jaunts.  I was a willing companion.  

I have a soft spot for vintage things - clothing and sewing machines - obviously but vintage cars (and trucks) rock my world too.  The extra care that went into every design detail back in the early days of automobile transport carried through decades.  Cherished vehicles are my favs with fanciful paint, stickers, seat covers, detailing and custom decoration.  

A couple of months ago I spotted this relic in our local grocery lot and was smitten… a couple of days later there it was again, begging for a portrait.  

While creating this screen print, for The Dolphin Studio Print Club  I wondered to myself where my fascination for antique vehicles originated…  My dad was not a car guy having grown up in rural Ireland with a little British boarding school sprinkled in.  He really had no aptitude for mechanics. 

My wonder was fleeting, off to the next tangent and the print was super fun to make…

(I drive around with a copy in my car so when I spot that gorgeous 1950s Cadillac again I can pop a copy of this print under the wiper with a note of gratitude for the driver.)

Yesterday, Sofia and I were chatting all things Dolphin Studio and she reminded me that today is the anniversary of John’s passing - January 22, 2010. 

AND

She was super excited to share some old pictures she had run across in our childhood (now her) home.   I had taken them of John on one of our trips to Cuba.  There he is, loving up those gorgeous vintage cars, posing with them for a snap to lock into forgotten corners of my experience.  Wearing the VOTE shirt I made him - wonder how. those Cubans felt about the idea of voting??

John’s inspiration and our cosmic connection continue to pop up after all these years and I feel safe in thinking that it will never stop - as long as I am looking for it.  So here's to the Cadman in the Big Y parking lot.  Here's to the realization that my old car soft-spot has the most magical history - Is that the same exact color and model in the top right?

Thanks for the adventures Dad! 

Thanks for teaching me not to fear but to embrace and connect. 

Thanks for staying with me and showering me with creativity and reminders.  So flippin’ cool!  I love you - give a sweet swish to mom and Ben if you can.

~ Crispina (your favorite daughter - HA!)