Interview
Saskia Franken-Saers
Saskia is a Dutch illustrator, and she creates fantasy illustrations, paintings, and 3D-printed figures. Her work can be described as creepy cute, with occasional pop-surrealist influences. Saskia works both traditionally and digitally (no AI), and she draws her inspiration from nature, and from everyday life.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“Ever since I was a child, I loved drawing and dreamed of becoming an artist. But life sometimes leads us down a different path. I ended up studying at a fashion academy, working as a stylist, running a collectibles shop, working in marketing, and eventually becoming an operations manager for an exclusive jewelry company. Still, I never gave up on drawing - it was always there. In 2010, it started to take a more serious turn. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to exhibit my work multiple times, both in the Netherlands and abroad.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“When I started drawing again, it was just about creating beautiful images. As my work began to develop, I started incorporating my emotions into it. It might not always be obvious, but much of my work has a slightly spooky vibe, often with a humorous or sweet undertone. That’s also how I see life. The world is becoming increasingly harsh, and I try to lighten things up with a touch of humor. So what I’m trying to say with my work is to always try to find a spark of light.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“It varies quite a bit. I can spend days, weeks, or even years carrying ideas in my head before putting them on paper. That can be challenging since I often have a clear vision of how it should turn out. And I’m afraid it might not turn out exactly how I want it to. That’s why I participate in Drawlloween every year. Having to create something on short notice keeps me in my creative bubble, and it gets easier the longer I work on it.”
“The world is becoming increasingly harsh, and I try to lighten things up with a touch of humor. So what I’m trying to say with my work is to always try to find a spark of light.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“No, I don’t follow trends. I prefer to do my own thing. I’ve experimented a lot with different mediums and now have a preference for certain materials. The only trend I might be following is trying out BlueSky to showcase my work.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I start by sketching out my ideas. Sometimes, a clear image emerges right away, and other times it takes more work to find the right angle. For my traditional illustrations, I take the idea I want to create and draw it on paper. I use pencil to sketch the shadows as well. Then I paint over the sketch with watercolour or gouache. I follow a similar process when creating paintings with acrylic or oil paints. For my 3D work, it’s mostly about experimenting a lot in the sculpting program. Sometimes I have a specific idea in mind, but it doesn’t look as good in 3D as I imagined. In those cases, I keep refining it until it works.”
What does your art mean to you?
“For me, drawing and painting are ways to process my emotions. When I draw, I find peace. I don’t always listen to music while I work - sometimes it’s just lovely to hear the sound of the graphite on the paper. Looking at art, whether it’s my own or someone else’s, also gives me inspiration. It’s a kind of fulfillment.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“It’s difficult to point to a specific artwork because there is so much beauty in the world. However, one piece that has always stuck with me is Salvador Dalí's ship with butterfly sails. Butterflies represent transformation, and I also believe in the butterfly as a symbol of the souls of the departed. I like to believe that when I suddenly get a visit from a butterfly, it’s my mother sending me a signal from above. In addition, and not to sound preachy, the most beautiful artwork is, of course, our own Earth. It’s just heartbreaking that this masterpiece is continuously being damaged.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“In the past, I’ve participated in several group shows through Curio Art Gallery in Portugal, as well as a group show at La Bodega Gallery in California.”
