In issue 114, our special subscriber goodie was brought to you by frankie favourite, Claire Cassidy, aka Studio Flos. Queer multidisciplinary artist, illustrator and all-round maker of things, she also ran our paper cut art workshop at The Other Art Fair back in May. We had a chat with her about her artistic style and where she finds her inspiration. 

Tell us a little about your art and creative style.
My creative style is very playful and colourful. I primarily create collages from colour paper or textures that I paint in my studio. In terms of subject matter, I focus on feelings and trying to capture people in a moment, and often add some humour. I love it when people look at one of my pieces and say ‘that’s so me!’.

When and how did you first begin making art?
I’ve always enjoyed art and have a couple of folios full of drawings I did as a kid. Some of them are pretty hilarious, like the heartfelt drawing I did for my granny of her cigarettes because I thought they were her favourite thing (it was the 80s!!). I was super lucky to grow up in a big city with easy access to lots of galleries, and lucky to have a family that encouraged me to draw and paint.

How did your artwork (now featured as a frankie poster!) come to be?
This artwork is actually one of my paintings - something that I don’t do very often! I painted it during the first lockdown in NSW and was feeling really inspired by the figure and clothing forming part of the landscape. I always draw my figures with closed eyes but I like using eye iconography elsewhere in my work.

Where do you find inspiration and creative motivation?
I’m mostly inspired by people and nature. The notes app on my phone is full of lists of random ideas I write down when I’m out and about. I also have a lot of (secret, ha) Pinterest boards because there is so much beautiful imagery out there in the world. They are organised into themes like ‘locations’ or ‘outfits’ and I refer to them if I’m a bit stuck.

What’s next on your ‘to-create’ list?
Slowly this year I am trying to create larger pieces made from plywood. I’m moving into my power-tool era.

Where can we see more of your work?
Instagram is the best place to see my work (@studioflos)! I also occasionally post some different stuff on TikTok so find me there too (@studioflos).