Maxwell Shoroye + Lucy Barlow & Francis

Francis, London

‘Everybody needs something that no one can take away from them.’

Francis found himself homeless after a family breakdown, aged just 16. For the next three years, he relied on the goodwill of friends and wider family – sofa-surfing when he could, but sometimes having no choice but to sleep on night buses.

Throughout this time, creativity became Francis’s lifeline and connection to reality. He found solace in writing poetry and songs, using his music as a way to process the emotional impact of being homeless, and to manage a heavy sense of family estrangement.

Three years later, Francis found work as a street fundraiser. But the strain of his living situation was exhausting, and having nowhere permanent to call home was starting to take a heavy toll on his mental health. With help from his employer, Francis found a room at his local YMCA, and began to rebuild his life.

Now 27, Francis is studying cyber security at university, and living in privately rented accommodation. He still draws on his experiences in his music, which remains a positive force in his life.

Maker’s notes

Francis, sound producer and musician, is an amazing multi-layered talent. We admired his love for superheroes and gaming as a way to escape. The headpiece is inspired by a combination of the classic baseball cap, indicative of Black pop culture, and the icicles of cryokinesis – ice manipulation.

M: Francis, if you had a superpower what would it be and why?

F: My favourite superpower would probably be… ICE! It has to be man… too cool, too suave. Ice is mysterious looking and chilling. There's a lot of depth to superheroes with ice powers.

M: How would you link your superpowers to your work as a sound producer?

F: My mind always goes elsewhere when I do music. I was facing depression at one point – it was the first thing I always did to quickly escape the world… I’m in my own world, my own zone.

Materials: Recycled polyester, nylon remnants, power mesh, 3D printer filament