Artist Bio
I create 3D and interactive mixed media paintings inspired by pop-up books. I often include objects that “pop out” from the painting as well as movable interactive aspects. I create many different themes in this style and try not to limit myself to any one idea. I start by drawing each figure painting them, cutting them out, darkening the edges. Then I build any framework that I may need for the piece, and usually on 140lb paper I paint the textures or surfaces that will need to cover the framework. Once that is dry I decoupage the painted textures onto the framework. Before the framework and figures are added to the canvas I paint the background onto the canvas. After the canvas is dry I attach all the pieces to the canvas, add the appropriate shadowing and seal it all with a coat of decoupage. I enjoy adding small decoupaged messages or quotes to the back of my canvas as a little surprise.
Artist Interview
Artist Interview: FrAnKiE
What are your earliest memories related to art?
“FrAnKiE’s Journey” is best told as a short creative narrative, as most good stories are.
“Long ago, longer now than I can remember, along the roads with no roots, lived a girl that believed. She believed in the magic that was, and that is, but mostly in the magic that had yet to be created. That was the magic with infinite possibilities, the kind without boundaries the kind that grew wings in your mind. It is simple magic that can be created with anything as unassuming as a pencil and paper. Wherever she went, she stuck a pencil in her hair and a notebook at her hip. She practiced the magic daily, beginning with simple forms around her, and then creating other worlds. This practice was her consistency in an inconsistent world; it was her escape; it was her peace; it was her love. Even as the years passed when she needed to find some solace she would turn to her practice, in return, the magic was loyal to her even through struggle, and through change, and through times of scarcity. Even during the times she almost gave up. Her whole life everyone had called it a gift. She just hadn’t realized it was until now. It was her gift, and she wanted to share it. She wanted to watch the wonder fill broken souls, and bring life to the drudgery of everyday life. So she did, and it grew infinitely, and she became whole again as she watched the world around her become even more beautiful. ”
How and when did you start becoming an artist yourself?
I’m a self-taught artist, I have always been creative but I started my journey as a professional artist a little over a year ago in 2018. I enjoy creating curious art inspired by wonder. I am also a writer and illustrator. My specialty is an experimental art style I call Tinker Illustration, I blend mixed media, illustration, and simple engineering to create textured, 3d, and often times interactive pieces. I am kind of a “Jane of many trades” I create sculptures with polymer clay, I am a muralist, and I also create art installations, as well as photography and cinematography props, and backdrops, I am also a children’s book illustrator.
When I started to create Tinker Illustrations, the goal was to create a bit of magic to hang on your wall that you could play with as you walk by. Anyone who has ever met me will tell you I am a bit of a squirrel, I am consistently working, or fidgeting, or pondering, or daydreaming, and so creating pieces with many different mediums, this allows my brain the challenges it needs to stay focused, it brings me peace. I think to see the wonder in peoples eyes when they see my work is probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever experienced. I can see them become curious and inspired and want to go home and give it a shot and that makes my heart so full.
What was the evolution like toward finding your current voice and visual vocabulary?
It has most definitely been a journey full of curiosity and wonder I am constantly learning. I have a bit of a “Squirrel Brain” so I love working with new mediums and learning what I can do with them. As I mentioned In the story of my journey above, I feel as an artist it is our job to share our gift of magic with others, it helps to heal, and change or observe peoples perspective, it helps us as a community come together with love and understanding. It’s a common language that we all speak and enjoy and it sparks conversation and dialect even among those that would otherwise be feuding. We need this, we always have and we always will, it is part of the intricate weaving that brings us all together. In a sense, it is the love language of the human race. In a way, this is what drives my evolution.
It has most definitely been a journey full of curiosity and wonder I am constantly learning. I have a bit of a “Squirrel Brain” so I love working with new mediums and learning what i can do with them.
What is your process like?
I typically have a dream or a daydream about most of my creations before I create them. I write it down and start testing on how I can bring the creation to life.
Is there anything from your artist statement that you wish to expound on, that you normally don’t have the chance to discuss?
not at this moment
What do you try to control in your surfaces, and what do you leave to chance?
I typically am particular with the linework but I love letting watercolor and wet acrylics do their thing.
Where do you see your work going from here?
I currently just opened a studio called “The Black Squirrel Studios” in Edom, TX. I am working to expand classes in the studio as well as through Patreon. I am also Illustrating two books at the moment one of which will be released in the spring of 2020. I am so excited to see what the future holds, the possibilities feel limitless. Thanks so much for all of your support! Stay curious and wonder often my magical friends!
