Boldness is genius, power and magic
Words: Tous Mag | Image Credits: © MANNWEAR |
It’s no secret that line drawings are taking over interiors by storm - we certainly love a line drawing - there’s something so alluring and satisfying about a face coming together from a continuous line. Picasso and Matisse’s collective genius highlighted so much to appreciate about this art form, with an intricately thought-out line in pencil, ink or chalk proving to the world that abstract art can be as technical, creatively skillful and aesthetically pleasing as all other manners of art. There’s no surprised faces that brands such as Austin Austin have their toiletries lining every luxury lifestyle lover’s vanity stations, we simply cannot get enough of this trend. Confidence is absolutely needed to get the first take just right but, yet, it’s this unpredictability that makes the process feel so organic and raw. Mix that with block, earthy colours and we’re sold.
MANNWEAR creates playful original paintings and printed replicas, screen prints, clothing and accessories. With print titles such as ‘Bob the Blob’, ‘Just Moody’ and ‘Moody Men’ there’s definitely a tongue-in-cheek element to these works - mixed with a honed sophistication - telling us that the artist is fully attuned with her style and knows exactly what direction she’s working in. Affordable art with a garnish of high-quality; the perfect cocktail.
Polly’s designs are simplistically chic and, thanks to the natural colour tones, will seamlessly blend into your home decor to add a touch of magic without being too daring.
For more dreamy inspiration, read the interview with the artist, below!
Tous Mag: What sparked your MANNWEAR journey?
Polly Mann: For as long as I can remember I have always been making things, drawing and creating; studying all the art subjects at school and going on to study Fashion Design at University. So, it’s always been there bubbling away. I worked for a short while in fashion design where I began focusing on illustration, this prompted me to start illustrating at home. That’s when I started to sell my work and where it all began.
Tous Mag: Was becoming an artist a clear path for you, or have you had other professions along the way?
Polly Mann: Working as a freelancer I have had many different jobs from fashion design, print design all the way through to being a studio manager. However, the majority of my work, for the last 8 years, has been working as a Stylist - working in film, stills, commercials and fashion. I have worked within costume and on the styling of sets, anything from working behind-the-scenes of a catwalk, designing and making garments, to set decoration. The variety has certainly kept things fresh and exciting, most importantly it has allowed me to grow MANNWEAR alongside, to the place it’s at now.
Tous Mag: Do you use technology in your work and does it play an important role?
Polly Mann: I use a small bit of technology in my work but I do like to keep things as organic as possible. At the very start of my process I create mood boards - making a lot of mess while painting in my studio is a big thing so this helps me control my work. I pull together my sketches, colour palettes, concepts and ideas and then begin. I use a variety of techniques with my work, from: brush, screen printing, and sketching. I sometimes like to input work digitally to create layers that help to further develop my ideas. I don’t like to stifle my creative process when painting, by having a need to make things neat and final, so using a computer allows me to be as free as possible when building the original layers.
Tous Mag: Are there any contemporary artists that inspire you?
Polly Mann: The work of Den Holm is really inspiring, he evolves shapes within his sculptures - creating fluidity - which gives the work such a modern feel. Sculptural work has always been something that’s interested me. Studying fashion design, I use to drape and constantly evolve shapes on the body with fabric. I could definitely see myself, in the future, working more sculpturally.
Tous Mag: Which artist of the past would you most like to meet?
Polly Mann: I would have loved to have met Barbara Hepworth. As one of the most admired artists of her time, in what was such a male dominated art world, I find her truly inspiring. Her sculptures are so elegant and fluid. I have quite a fascination with soft shapes and lines so her work, for me, is really enchanting. Her works beautifully intertwine with nature - bringing about such a sense of calm. It’s fascinating how she makes space into its own form, making it such an integral part of each piece of work.
Tous Mag: Where’s your favourite place to be?
Polly Mann: I definitely love to be outside and by the sea - feeling all the elements. I take a lot of influence from the outdoors with colours, shapes, lines and the overall way it makes me feel.
Tous Mag: What’s the soundtrack to your studio on a summer's day?
Polly Mann: Anything from meditation chimes to Petit Biscuit or Marabou State. I like to keep my studio really calm and dreamy. Taking me away.
Tous Mag: Do you have any goals for the future?
Polly Mann: At the moment I am currently working on some larger scale commissions and have a running project with a boutique hotel. I would like to do more of this and would love to collaborate with some other companies, building some new contacts and relationships within different industries.
Tous Mag: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Polly Mann: I was working with a lovely lady who sent this quote my way, it has really stuck with me:
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
It’s absolutely true. It’s not until you fully commit and start something that the magic can begin!
