Talented artist making waves
ACG Strathallan alumna and Pukekohe native Lucy Gill is already making waves in the world of art and fashion.
At only 23 she would be on her way to Paris this month as brand co-ordinator for Knight Collective Showroom, presenting three Kiwi and American brands’ resort collections to buyers as part of Paris Fashion Week.
Gill graduated from Elam School of Fine Arts last year with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours and had exhibited paintings in Matakana’s Vivian Art Gallery, Sanderson Gallery in Auckland, and worked at Paris Fashion Week alongside Kiwi fashion consultant Jo Knight.
Her art, which she described as feminine and imaginative, is characterised by soft colours and lack of harsh lines or edges.
Gill started working in fashion while studying art at Elam, and sees synergies between the two – an appreciation of the creative process from initial idea and concept to a final garment or collection, for example.
‘‘The connection for me ultimately lies with my appreciation for the creative process,’’ she said.
‘‘There is such a beautiful craft and process to the creation of fashion - especially when garments are ethically and sustainably thought through.’’
Her ultimate aim is to con- tinue growing her art practice alongside her career in fashion.
‘‘I am only at the beginning and I learn so much every day,’’ Gill said.
‘‘I love that my work challenges me, I find a lot of satisfaction in working hard and I feel so lucky to be able to work creatively and enjoy what I do.’’
Gill’s love of all things creative was evident at school, where her teachers fostered her talent, particularly in painting.
Former teacher Rachel Daddy, whose own time at Elam motivated Gill to study there, said Gill was an art teacher’s dream whose range of skills would be valuable in any creative field.
‘‘She came with a positive mind-set and a willingness to learn,’’ Daddy said.
‘‘She was a risk taker and didn’t shy away from trying techniques that were new to her, or working outside of her comfort zone.
I am very proud of Gill and look forward to seeing her career bloom.’’