Last week, we collaborated with illustrator Lucy Calder to produce a gorgeous piece of artwork that features our very own FAS sunnies! Using acrylic paints and Sharpies, Lucy assembled this melange of adorably stylish women, flying amongst abstract foliage, on a transparent screen. Scroll through to see the process, and discover more about Lucy and her practice!
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FOLLOW LUCY ● SEE HER WORK
Let's start with some context: you come from a mixed creative background. What does your creative history look like, and how do your past practices inform what you do now?
I come from what I would say is quite a creative family. Everyone is into art and music. I started drawing when I was really young and it was something I kept up because I really enjoy it. I have tried venturing into other things (I did maths and physics for my A Levels) but I always came back to art. I studied costume at university because I have always been interested in character and narrative and this, I think, has informed the way that develop my drawings and paintings. I graduated just over two years ago and have been working in film, television and theatre since - doing costume but also art department. I’ve met a lot of brilliant and inspiring people who introduce me to so many ideas and make me want to push myself creatively. Some of my jobs involve illustrating, which pushes me technically, and is incredibly rewarding.
What (or who) are your main sources of inspiration?
It’s hard to say. I’m interested in a lot of things (sometimes too many) and inspired by many of the people in my life. My work has often come from quite a personal place and used as a mechanism to deal with my often poor health (mental and sometimes physical). I feel like I’m just using drawing to make sense of who I am and how I fit into this weird little world we’re in. This incidentally leads me into themes of girlhood (which is a bit of a hot topic in illustration right now) and the environment. The world is a beautiful place and we are doing a very good job of destroying it.
How would you describe your style?
That’s such a difficult question to answer. I feel like I don’t even know what my style is. I tend to use bright colours and I try to maintain an element of humour.
Finish this sentence: The best kind of image is _________.
Oh gosh, I don’t know. I suppose one that provokes something within you? There are so many things that can make an image great. But I think I am drawn more to the ones that make you think or create some sort of feeling.
At For Art's Sake, we have a set of core values that inform our day-to-day work. Summed up, we aim to bring happiness to those around us, we are honest with our work, and we always strive to be remarkable. What values are most important to you?
The thing I have come to value in my mid-twenties is not to take yourself too seriously. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be seriously invested in your practice, but I think that it’s so important to be able to laugh at yourself.
As you may have seen, we also recently launched our Imperfectionist message. Do you consider yourself an Imperfectionist? How do you think the concept of the Imperfectionist relates to your illustration practice?
When I was an infant I lost one of my eyes to cancer and throughout my life people have taken notice and sometimes mocked me for having an imperfect face. I would say that having to deal with that from so young has shaped my outlook, and I truly don’t think I would be the same person as I would have been if this did not happen. I’m also pretty sure it’s where I get my self-depracating humour from.
What is your big dream in terms of your illustration career?
That’s something that often changes. I think right now I’m aiming to able to live off of it - which does seem a little too ambitious right now.
Lastly, which pair of For Art's Sake sunglasses are your fave?!
The hardest question! I love so many of them but for me it’s between 1992 Champagne and Alice Green!
Close up featuring BRISKY Navy
Close up featuring M8 Blue
Close up of BURTON Pink
Close up of ALICE Green
Lucy in front of her finished work.
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