Interview
Carmonn French
Sydney-based painter and sculptor Carmonn French started drawing and creating when she was young. Her father, a stonemason, grew up in a small country town surrounded by nature, storytelling and was always drawn towards the unfinished, or seemingly raw materials. She is driven by the unique story experience, and the innate desire to constantly search for what lies beneath the surface.
Despite never having formally studied the arts, Carmonn’s paintings effortlessly showcase her dedication to creativity and the cohesive pursuit of a unique style. Her artworks are largely centred around people. By combining chaotic brush strokes with a gentle calmness, her work is open to complete interpretation.
Tell us about your works, we would like to know more about them. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“Inspiration for me is forever flowing. I try to work from my heart and paint from that space, whether it's nature - longing to go back home or feel at peace, people - their stories and how they and we as a collective think, act and feel, and lastly memories, dreams and symbolic nature in life.
As an artist it's my job to remain in the state where I'm listening to my soul and consciousness and trying to stop my mind from overpowering my work. Only when the artist isn’t in full control, and they are working from pure heart and instinct, can they start creating meaningfully.”
How would you describe your creative process?
“My creative process is very mood dependent. I am completely and utterly in love with creating and painting, and it brings me joy even though I am almost never happy with my work.
I love the process and feeling that passion to create. I am very quick and probably chaotic when I am creating. I will use anything I have around me and mess and energy all goes into the work.
Even when I am calm and in more of a soulful, connected mood I am deeply driven by music and crave that exact song to help fuel the energy of the work I’m about to create. Sometimes I'll be in the studio for hours waiting for that one song to perfectly sync with my artwork and then I feel like I can breathe again; like I’m free afterwards.”
What materials and techniques do you use to create your work?
“I love to use oil paints, ink, charcoal, pens, whatever I can get my hands on and depending on what I’m trying to express. Each type of paint and texture has a different language and it’s important to consider that when working on a piece.
I love and feel most comfortable working on paper and with sculptures, yet lately I have been working with oils on large canvas and that in itself can be challenging and time consuming but always rewarding in the end.”
What is your favorite artwork and why?
“I cannot pick one favorite artwork but one that comes to mind is an artwork by Norman Lindsay, an Australian artist. The piece is called “Sea Magic”. His work instantly transports me to a place of magic and excitement. I feel at home in his paintings and I always feel so happy when I see his work.”
“Inspiration for me is forever flowing. I try to work from my heart and paint from that space, whether it's nature - longing to go back home or feel at peace, people - their stories and how they and we as a collective think, act and feel, and lastly memories, dreams and symbolic nature in life.”
Which artists influence you the most?
“Most artists inspire me - I am drawn to people and their stories. I am forever inspired by artists and cooks and chefs, architects, fashion designers and musicians. My favourite artists are Alexander McQueen, Brett Whitley, Louise Bourgeois, Nick Cave, Carlos Barrios, Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and many more.”
Website: www.carmonnfrench.com.au
Instagram: @carmonn.french
