We recently sat down with designer, stylist, content creator and artist, Mary Franz to chat about the many hats she wears each day, where she draws her artistic inspiration from, and where she feels most at home.
Q. Firstly, tell us a little about yourself!
I’m a fashion designer by trade and have since moved on to styling, content creation and art. I just recently completed my contemporary arts degree in 2022. I live in Adelaide, South Australia with my fiancé Adam and cat Dudley.
Q. What is your artistic process?
I start by transforming our light-filled kitchen into a makeshift studio space with drop-sheets, my easel and some relaxing music. I don’t plan too far ahead when it comes to what I’m painting unless it’s commissioned work. In general I love playing around with colour palettes - I think this stems from my fashion design background. My style isn’t photo realistic but not completely abstract either - it’s somewhere in the middle. I enjoy working with acrylic paint on canvas because the paint dries much faster than oil and I like to work quickly when I do get started. I am currently very inspired by still life.
Q. How does the idea for a piece come to life?
When I start painting I usually sketch up a base to begin with and start painting over the top. Sometimes I have no idea what colours I plan to use and other times I create colour swatch tests on a digital app on my phone and decide the colours and textures I’ll create onto the physical canvas from there. It’s generally an intuitive process for me.
Q. Where has your love of art come from?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing and painting ever since I was a little girl. I’m lucky in the sense that my mum and dad have always encouraged it. My dad always said it was my calling - he is no longer here Earth side but he remains my biggest motivation to create.
Q. What do you love most in the world?
My family, my fiancé and my cat. I also love witnessing acts of human compassion and kindness - makes me cry!
Q.Where do you feel most at home?
I love being near the ocean or inside the walls of an art gallery. My favourite art gallery to visit is the Guggenheim in New York City. I am also a massive homebody and I love being in my own home with the people I love; creating yummy food or painting up a storm.
Q. What does your favourite morning routine look like?
A cuddle with Dudley our cat
A jog or walk to the beach while listening to music for time with myself
A shower to wake me up and make me feel fresh
A delicious muesli and yoghurt breakfast and matcha or cappuccino while having a chat to Adam about our day ahead.