interview with an illustrator
Etienne Clement
Tells us how his London
Fields studio is an
Ali Baba's cave of pop
cult ure, plas tic and
car boot treasure . . .
u SB What drew you to illustration and design? Etienne: The
desire to tell stories within the spaces I was photographing. u
SB Do you have any formal design training? Etienne: No. I did
English at La Sorbonne - Paris and Art History. u SB Where are
you originally from? Etienne: Paris. u SB Where do you live now
and what drew you there? Etienne: London. I landed here over 20
years ago and stayed. Fantastic and vibrant place. u SB Where is
your studio and can you describe it for me? Etienne: In London
Fields. London; Ali Baba’s cave meets car boot sale but the cars
are toys - Extremely difficult to navigate. u SB Who or What is
your biggest inspiration? Etienne: Paintings and pop culture. u
SB How do you get your ideas? Etienne: From dreams, fantasy,
childhood stuff, pop culture, trash and paintings. u SB Tell us
about a favourite project you’ve recently completed. Etienne:
‘Boudoir’. Personal work. XVIII century France. Loads of kinky
pinks and blues, talcum powder and nudity everywhere! Nice!
u SB What would be your dream job/commission? Etienne: An
advertising campaign for Don Perignon or some very fancy car
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