INTERVIEW
WRITTEN BY
Marillu
Karolina Franceschini is a remarkable continental talent whose journey spans disciplines and is deeply dedicated to painting and interior design. With roots in the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan and further refinement at Birmingham City University, Karolina has carved a niche that beautifully marries her artistic passion with practical design. Now a fixture in Glasgow for nearly two decades, she shares insights into her life’s work, her philosophy on art and design, and the intuitive process behind her captivating pieces. Have a glimpse of the heart and mind of a truly dedicated artist and designer.
Tell us about your journey through the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan and Birmingham City University. How did these experiences shape your artistic practice?
So those two were like two different worlds. My time at the Fine Art Academy was more about self-discovery. When I went to Birmingham University, I did my Master in Interior Design, and that was just all about becoming a competent designer in the future… and getting a job, haha. I am glad I’ve done both.
What inspired you to pursue degrees in Painting and Interior Design? How do these disciplines intersect in your work?
Let’s be realistic, painting always had been the love of my life and I will always do it, but it’s not a sustainable way of making a living; I had to have a Plan B. Interior Design was my Plan B, and it was a sage decision because this is what’s keeping me safe and gives me a creative freedom.
What led you to Glasgow and what made you stay in Glasgow (how many years)?
It’s really hard to believe it, but it has been nineteen years that I’ve been in Glasgow. This is my home now. Nothing will change it; chemistry is just right (hahaha). I love Scotland, but the fact that I ended up here was a complete coincidence. It was never a plan. You need to go where life takes you.
Could you describe your role as a painter and interior designer? How do you balance these two creative pursuits?
It’s very interesting that you ask how you describe the ‘role’ of a painter and the role of the designer. I keep those two separate. My job brings money to the table; it’s a stable income, and I absolutely enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong; I am also very good at it.But painting… being an artist is something that is within you. You have to do it, so it’s not a choice. It’s a way of life.I divide my week in half and only work on designs from my home office. My studio in Briggait is for painting only.
Your artwork titled “Dream On” is intriguing. What inspired this particular piece, and what message or emotion were you aiming to convey?
This piece is just one of many I’ve done, but it’s not my favourite or the most spectacular. It is a good representation of my art – being intuitive, having fun with it, and being imaginative.There is no specific aim with it; whatever I create comes from inside. It’s kind of a translation of how I see things.
We know you participated in the Scottish Prize for Fine Art. Can you share your experience about the exhibition where your artwork was displayed?
I took part in it, and this particular work we mentioned before was in it, so I’ve mentioned it. Winning any price can be career-changing for some people, but you don’t want to seek everybody else’s approval to value yourself constantly, do you?
Winning competitions can be a significant achievement. How has recognition from Windsor and Newton impacted you as a creative person?
One of the competitions I won was a while ago. I got the Windsor and Newton Young Painter reward, which was part of the Royal Society of Oil Painters exhibition. That one was quite important because it was at the beginning of my career – that’s a big boost of confidence and I needed that then.
Your artwork, notably “Dream On,” has captivated many with its unique allure. In a world where many artists paint flowers and still life, what do you believe sets your work apart and draws people to it? Furthermore, do you think artworks reflect the artist’s soul? Is this the ingredient that makes every artwork different?
I think you shouldn’t get fooled with the subject of my work. The fact is that those flowers are not really of any importance; the subject of my work is the relationship between the colours and the tension between them. Flowers are my preferred tool at the moment, but it could be anything. It could be completely abstract. It doesn’t matter. I don’t paint flowers per se.
Read more :
Comments