I am a fashion illustrator and heritage house artist. In 2021 I released an elegant book of illustrations, Girl Can Draw. And it’s not only full of amazing and varied drawings, I’ve included tips, how-tos and advice on navigating the commercial realities of being an illustrator. It would suit those who love or study fashion illustration, or those wishing to tap into their creativity again,.
There are many surprises inside the pages of Girl Can Draw. Out now, at girlcandraw.net
If you are an artist, the joy is in trying new ideas to stretch yourself artistically. You continue to create, despite your fears, ignoring outside criticism. You create because you have to. Whether people buy your work or not, is beside the point. Ignoring your talent is the truly corrosive soul-killer. That is why I say in my book, Girl Can Draw, that “l still had the art in me after all those years, and I needed to share it.” and “My Higher Power works through my hands”.
Writing a book, like exhibiting art, is an act of bravery. It means your inner world is no longer private. Yet, we creatives are driven to display our inner worlds in order to connect, all the while trying to reconcile and negotiate various levels of exposure. No one ever taught me to define who I am as an artist, I just drew what pleased me. Many folks have advised me to ˜find my style' and ˜do the same thing so can be easily recognised.'
I don't seem to be able to do that.
I looked to other artists, such as Rene Gruau, Antonio Lopez, and Eric as inspiration, and because I loved their work so much, I ended up trying to emulate them. But you can't copy someone else's style because it is their voice.
What I really wanted to possess was Antonio's pencil mastery, Rene's geometric colour work and storytelling (well, everything about his work) and Eric's figurative drawing. If I ever wanted to have anything remotely like their drawing style, I had to get down to work and study.
Today, my drawings have a lightness and fluidity, all imbued with my own quirky world view. And, as I venture into digital art, I am using bolder colours and stronger geometric lines. A new style is emerging, perhaps?
I can't really predict which style will emerge when I pick up my pencil, because when I have a drawing in my head, I am actually not in charge. My hand draws, but I am just the conduit. In the end, my drawings demonstrate a sense of play and take the viewer down an interesting path.
If I have any true style, it is that of storyteller.
Today, I specialise in heritage house portraits. If you or your loved one wishes to memorialize your house, I will work from a photo. contact me on www.drawntofashion.com.au