Working across an impressive range of media, this young creative produces work rigorous in both finish and concept. Tell us about the piece of work you're most proud of.
For my graduating project from Chelsea College of Art and Design I created fifteen posters for three different fringe theatre companies. Throughout the project I gained a real sense of discipline in my practice, it also enabled me to explore and strengthen my skills in painting, photography and typography. It's definitely the biggest thing I've worked on so far.
How do you develop your concepts?
I’ve found London to be such an amazing place to get inspired – exhibitions, concerts, libraries or even just a bus ride through East London. I also write down everything that goes through my mind, it always helps to see ideas and concepts written somewhere. But I found the best ideas always come through the making process. I’m always refining initial ideas to make them stronger and better.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Not to be afraid to show your work in progress. It's quite difficult to share initial research and outcomes when they are at an early stage but I’ve found it very helpful to pass them around – to get rid of them, in a way. After that I am able to refine them.
What's hanging on you walls?
Currently, I have two paintings that I made while studying fine art in France. They are influenced by American expressionist painters such as Willem de Kooning and Jasper Johns. I also have postcards brought back from trips around the world (New York, Soul, Berlin) and reproductions of a few Gerhard Richter paintings, one of my favourite artists.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
There are loads of design studios I would love to work for or with, such as Experimental Jetset (Amsterdam), Spin Studio (London) or Hunt&Co (founded by Thomas Williams in Melbourne). I also find Philippe Apeloig’s poster design impressive and a great source of inspiration. I would love to travel and work for design studios around the globe.
What are you working on right now?
I'm currently working with a friend from university (Anne Boegild Christensen) on a project we started a few months ago that focuses on folklore heritage. We are just giving it a final push in order to make it visually stronger. I'm also making a self-initiated print publication, using artwork created in recent years (photography, painting, collage, graphics).
francoisdouady.com
March 20, 2014 2 minutes read
François Douady
Working across an impressive range of media, this new creative talent produces work rigorous in both finish and concept.