All artwork, Caitlin Shearer: www.caitlinquiet.blogspot.com
Caitlin Shearer is a wonderfully talented young artist. I am so excited to be working with her on some special projects for Audrey Grace. I can't reveal everything yet, but the Audrey Hepburn portrait featured above was created for me. Interview with the artist herself below...
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born in Sydney, Australia, and now i live a few hours away, by the ocean.
Can you tell me a little about your drawing/painting process and where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'm inspired by Vintage fashion, 1940's-50's cinema, Loneliness, flowers, Glamour, femininity, Longing, Brilliant women throughout history, the supernatural and the absurd. My painting process usually consists of me sitting at my desk, listening to music, and drawing with pencil until i get the right lines. Then I'll fill everything in with watercolour paint and then go on to adding details.
I notice that your drawings have a fairy tale quality about them. Is that something you have always been interested in? What is your favorite fairy tale?
As a kid i loved reading fairytales because they were often quite weird (like when the little mermaid kills herself in the end) and also beautifully illustrated - They were so unlike the world as i knew it and i found that captivating. I think today i also like to use my paintings as a form of escapism - so they are my own fairytales and stories which i can create and then delve into. I think my favourite fairytale has always been the little mermaid. It's so tragic and cyclical and shocked me as a child because when she jumps overboard and turns back into sea foam i just couldn't believe it and aways had to re-read the last page - as if that would change the circumstances.
How long have you been drawing?
As a kid i drew lots of fairies, ballerinas and mermaids, then in highschool i used to draw to pass the time, which then grew into an obsession and the dominating factor of my life. I've been working as an illustrator for about two years now.
I notice alot of your drawings have beautiful clothes. Have you always been interested in fashion?
I wouldn't say i'm overly interested in the trend oriented side of fashion, but i do admire the beauty and craftsmanship in beautiful dresses and shoes. I'm particularly fond of the decadent costumes in old films and the charm of vintage clothing. As a kid i used to draw pictures of my friends all standing in a line, dressed in clothes i had designed myself, so i suppose outfits have always meant alot to me. Plus, i've always been very picky about what i wear. I used to throw tantrums if someone tried to put me in a dress, and now i have a regimented wardrobe made up of dresses in only one silhouette.
What kind of girl do you see hanging one of your paintings on her wall. What is her aestheic?
I would imagine that she is the type of girl who appreciates both beauty and sadness in equal amounts. Her aesthetics - maybe her bedroom is white and sparse and she has a huge four poster bed covered in plush velvet pillows. Then there would be a special space on the wall dedicated to photos and art that she treasures.
Who would be the ulitimate celebrity (or even a style icon from the past) that you would love to draw?:
Jean Simmons, actress from films such as Angel Face and Guys and Dolls. She has a beautiful angular face and a sombre but charming demeanour which i would like to try and capture.
Are there any favorite places you like to shop or eat in your hometown of Australia (or Sydney)? Any reccomendations?
I love a cafe on oxford street (Sydney) called 'The Falconer' because it has records playing in the background, comfortable booths, is dimly lit and serves amazing bannoffee pies. I also love Pepper Lunch on george street, where you partially cook your own meat and rice dishes. Shopping wise, I love looking at boutiques like Wheels and Dollbaby and Alannah Hill and any place stocking vintage dresses.
Since the boutique is called "Audrey Grace" what are your favorite Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly films or even specific outfits they have worn?
I am in love with Audrey and would count Funny Face as my favourite of her films. I also like Grace Kelly in Rear Window. I would love to be able to dress like Audrey on a daily basis. Whenever I think chic and simple she is always at the forefront of my mind.
Who are your favorite artists?:
J.W Waterhouse, Enoch Bolles, Norman Rockwell, Al Parker, David Downton.
What (music) are you listening to now?
Early PJ Harvey, Alex Turner, Anna Calvi, Blonde Redhead.
Lastly, what are you working on now? Anything exciting?
Some textile designs for a NZ fashion designer, some wedding portraits, and a collection of other personal girls with pressed flowers.
Thank you, Caitlin!
In more Audrey Grace news here is a sneak peek at what EmmaKisstina has been creating for the shop:
Hope you are enjoying all the blogposts!
Here's a little more of Caitlin's beautiful work:
