‘Covid 19 hit the country before I could even graduate from university. Once home and with the job market looking bleak, I was still keen to keep my creative side going. I took to the garden shed to create new designs in different mediums. Throughout the summer of 2020, I used Alcohol inks to produce a range of designs, using various techniques and continued this into the festive season, adding silver and gold to bring some sparkle. Being an abstract designer, I love the bright colours and textures alcohol inks create. I took my design forward by producing cards and coasters to sell in my local area. Continuing to be creative during lockdown has helped my mental health and kept my passion for textiles alive. Going into 2021 is much the same as the year before. I wanted to focus and take this time to add new designs to my portfolio and getting my work recognised‘. Francesca Gillett
Self-taught or art school?
I took the decision to go to Buckinghamshire New University to study textiles, specializing in print design because of the facilities and opportunities they offered their students, including national competitions and past students success stories. I also liked the proximity of the university to London which then gave me many opportunities for research. Following on from university, I have tried self-teaching with alcohol ink to produce cards and coasters.
If you could own one work of art, what would it be?
There is not one piece in particular that I would like to own but it has always been an ambition to have my own, original piece of William Morris wallpaper.
How would you describe your style?
My work is unique and abstract, using bold, bright colours.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
I like to have a project brief to work towards, then move forward with research including photography. Here is where I find the most inspiration for colour within the project. I would then bring my research back to the studio and using mixed media ( stencils, acrylics, alcohol inks, charcoals ) and drawings, begin to develop ideas. Next, I would scan my work into my computer onto Photoshop. Here I would create half drops, repeat patterns and bespoke pieces. I would manipulate different layers and contrast colours together to develop an individual piece.
Is narrative important within your work?
Being severely dyslexic, the written word does not come easily to me so I have chosen art as a way of expression.
Who are your favourite artists and why?
One artist is William Morris who was an inspiration to me through the Arts and Craft movement. His progression of printed textiles through the Victorian era inspired me for my final collection at university. Jackson Pollocks also gave me inspiration through his abstract art and his large scale pieces. His style and use of brush marks, along with the different consistencies of paint are unique and contemporary.
What or who inspires your work?
Historical events and cultures, along with colour and natural forms inspire me. I get inspiration from people around me, in particular, other designers I have worked closely with.
Where’s your studio and what’s it like?
Since finishing university and because of the Covid pandemic, I am currently working from my garden shed (converted to a studio). It is a large space, well lit with everything I require but can be very cold which can affect my motivation. It’s good to have space where I can be creative and messy and at the end of the day, don’t have a long commute!!
Do you have any studio ritual’s
Not really but I like to go into a clean studio to start my day, be as messy as I want to be, then tidy up before I leave.
What are you working on currently?
I am working on creating card designs using stencils and my digital repeat patterns along with a collection of cards/coasters using alcohol ink designs.
Where can we buy your art?
Currently, I do not have my own website or sell online but clients can message me on Instagram or e-mail me if interested in any of my designs. I have sold items locally and plan to promote my work doing local art events in the summer.
frankie126@icloud.com
Instagram – fg_printdesigns
