Fashion-focussed art
Runway GALLERY artist Belinda Frikh talks about her passion FOR DRAWING, influences and interest in the Female Form
Owning a piece of art is as easy as clicking a button with runway Gallery. this digital platform gives you the chance to snap up inspirational prints and designs for your home. annecy-based artist Belinda Frikh is one of the gallery’s latest members.
When did you start drawing?
For as long as i can remember, i was always drawing, much to the exasperation of my parents. i drew on anything and everything – cereal boxes, books, documents, letters from school complaining about me always drawing at school…
as i hit my teens, i began turning my work into a portfolio. at the age of 12, i entered a drawing competition in a fashion magazine and won second prize. Later, i went on to study at L’école supérieure d’art in annecy, then the École d’arts appliqués in Lyon.
When did you move to London?
i arrived in 1996, straight after my studies. it was supposed to be for three months but i ended up staying for 21 years. i was instantly drawn to the buzz of the city, the cultural heritage and the cosmopolitan feel. i’ve only recently moved back to France.
Describe your creative process
i often begin by drawing a figure i’ve been inspired by, from a movie, or an iconic female figure, or a character in a book. then i trawl through magazines and cut out and collect fragments to incorporate into my illustrations. this stage of the composition can take days until i’m satisfied. Finally, the print is retouched by hand.
DOES FASHION INFLUENCE YOUR WORK?
yes, definitely. i wanted to be a fashion illustrator when i was a kid, then later on i worked as an in-house illustrator for many fashion designers. in the past, i have worked for commercial clients like Bonds australia, topshop, mtv and Levi, but i’m now working with galleries, hotels and taking on private commissions.
What is it that draws you to the female form?
When i visualise the female form, i see different codes of beauty – a wit, a certain mannerism, a unique imperfection, a look, a trailblazing attitude. i find these attributes in many women in literature, in strong cinematic female leads, and historical heroines.
What are you working on at the moment?
i’m working on a special commission for a lady who lost her home during the california wildfires last year. she has lost everything, but then told me that what she needs most at this time is the artwork i did for her a few years ago. so she’s at the top of my list.