Sacrée Frangine
A rejuvenating and inspiring conversation from the two unique French artists working together as one duo known as Sacrée Frangine, is this week’s special feature on TheCornerZine. Life long childhood friends, with similar aesthetics, influences and inspired by the same role models. I’ll give you a hint readers...it’s us women! Keep on reading this exclusive interview to feel renewed!
An artistic duo under one name. I’m very intrigued and interested in how this works. Who does what? Would you explain in detail the process behind your artworks?
We follow a rather collaborative process, in which each one of us adds her own touch, whether to the idea, the design or the color. In the same creation, we can bring both of our own universe through one of these different layers. So, there’s not really a set creative rules for us.
We draw a lot of portraits and we don't portray a woman in particular, but rather the image we have of womankind. A woman with all her beauty and singularity.
Your work is so aesthetically pleasing, straightforward and minimalist, exactly my style, I’m going to buy the T-shirt and so many pieces as soon as we’re done speaking! (Laughs, E.D.). It’s the exact style I’ve been looking for. I’m sure it wasn’t always this way: in the beginning specifically, was it difficult to manage finding a unique signature style between two people?
We’re childhood friends, we’ve known each other since primary school and we’ve grown and evolved together a bit like two sisters we’re different but complementary and share a lot of what inspires us. In fact, we realized we have the same influences, as we grew up in the same environment: we’re built on a fairly similar aesthetic visions, even if we both have different sensitivities.
You’re based in Paris, the magical city of love. What’s it about the city that inspires you both? On the contrary, what don’t you like about it?
Paris is definitely magical, it’s both majestic and secret! We’re fans of its history, its architecture and hidden alleys. Most importantly, Paris is such a cosmopolitan city. Many different cultures live here together, it’s an inexhaustible source of inspiration and it leads to unexpected encounters. On the other hand, sometimes, it can be a bit too much oppressive, like a city that never stops. Also, if it could have California’s weather, it’d be ideal!
Célia, is there a particular artist you’ve admired since you were a little who’s inspired your artistic style and works? What about for you, Aline?
We’re going to have the same answer: French artist Henri Matisse is undoubtedly the artist who inspires us the most and who’s most influenced our illustration style. As to more contemporary artists, we love the graphic and colorful work of Laurence Leenaert (LRNCE) and the sensitivity of photographer Denisse Ariana Pérez.
Who would you say are both your role models and icons?
Women, because we couldn’t only mention one. We draw a lot of portraits and we don't portray a woman in particular, but rather the image we have of womankind. A woman with all her beauty and singularity. Proud, inspiring, strong, sometimes fragile, sensitive and the list goes on!
How about any style-related icons?
We like many french brands, such as Jacquemus or AMI Paris, and we’re absolutely in love with the @figtny Instagram account and her minimalist monochrome outfits.
Sticking to style. How would you both describe your personal style? Do you wear anything particular to do work?
We’re lovers of basics, timeless classics. We like simple yet original cuts and rather monochrome and organic shades, such as brown, beige and pink (the same colors we use in our works). However, since we work from home, our work outfits aren’t stylish at all. ‘Comfy’ is a more appropriate word, as we mostly wear sweaters and hoodies...but we always pair them with a chic coat when we go out!
Honestly, I’m not sure I could answer this question myself! (Laughs, E.D.). What’s the number one item you can’t have missing from your wardrobe?
This is an easy one: a jumpsuit for Célia and an African turban for Aline!
Aline and Célia, what’re the top three moments/accomplishments of your career thus far?
We’d say our first exhibition, our work for Playboy (absolutely fun and unexpected), but mostly the day we decided to quite our jobs and be 100% involved in this Sacrée Frangine adventure. A big step, but we’re proud we made this choice.
What’re the ones you’re attempting to accomplish next? Any exciting collaborations in the works coming up?
Another big step would be to have our own shop/workshop in Paris. We love to collaborate with brands, but we’d like to work more with artisans and develop our own products. We also really like fashion and a lot of textile projects are coming. So stay tuned!
Speaking of the future, where do you see the art world going in an age so digital? Do you think being an artist will become a dying career path? God, I hope not! (Laughs, E.D).
On the contrary, we have the impression that in this digital age, creation is at everyone's reach and inspiration is everywhere. Thanks to social networks, everyone has the means to create, express themselves and make their work known more easily. Unfortunately, it’s also increasingly difficult to reinvent yourself and come up with new things. There’s a growing conformity in the world of art and creation, which is partly due to this digitalization.
With the instant gratification of this digital era, especially with social networks like Instagram, how do you find using this platform for your work? What do you like and dislike about it?
Instagram is a constant source of inspiration. We’ve discovered a lot of different artists and creatives, who’ve boosted our own creativity. It allows us to have direct access to our community all over the world, it’s an excellent vehicle for sharing and exchanging. Anyhow, we still try to keep a certain distance from social networks, which can sometimes be very intrusive.
Lastly, Aline and Célia, if you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
Continuing to live off what we love, succeed in renewing ourselves and find as much pleasure in creating as we do now.
Your work is so aesthetically pleasing, straightforward and minimalist, exactly my style, I’m going to buy the T-shirt and so many pieces as soon as we’re done speaking! (Laughs, E.D.). It’s the exact style I’ve been looking for. I’m sure it wasn’t always this way: in the beginning specifically, was it difficult to manage finding a unique signature style between two people?
We’re childhood friends, we’ve known each other since primary school and we’ve grown and evolved together a bit like two sisters we’re different but complementary and share a lot of what inspires us. In fact, we realized we have the same influences, as we grew up in the same environment: we’re built on a fairly similar aesthetic visions, even if we both have different sensitivities.
You’re based in Paris, the magical city of love. What’s it about the city that inspires you both? On the contrary, what don’t you like about it?
Paris is definitely magical, it’s both majestic and secret! We’re fans of its history, its architecture and hidden alleys. Most importantly, Paris is such a cosmopolitan city. Many different cultures live here together, it’s an inexhaustible source of inspiration and it leads to unexpected encounters. On the other hand, sometimes, it can be a bit too much oppressive, like a city that never stops. Also, if it could have California’s weather, it’d be ideal!
Célia, is there a particular artist you’ve admired since you were a little who’s inspired your artistic style and works? What about for you, Aline?
We’re going to have the same answer: French artist Henri Matisse is undoubtedly the artist who inspires us the most and who’s most influenced our illustration style. As to more contemporary artists, we love the graphic and colorful work of Laurence Leenaert (LRNCE) and the sensitivity of photographer Denisse Ariana Pérez.
Who would you say are both your role models and icons?
Women, because we couldn’t only mention one. We draw a lot of portraits and we don't portray a woman in particular, but rather the image we have of womankind. A woman with all her beauty and singularity. Proud, inspiring, strong, sometimes fragile, sensitive and the list goes on!
How about any style-related icons?
We like many french brands, such as Jacquemus or AMI Paris, and we’re absolutely in love with the @figtny Instagram account and her minimalist monochrome outfits.
Sticking to style. How would you both describe your personal style? Do you wear anything particular to do work?
We’re lovers of basics, timeless classics. We like simple yet original cuts and rather monochrome and organic shades, such as brown, beige and pink (the same colors we use in our works). However, since we work from home, our work outfits aren’t stylish at all. ‘Comfy’ is a more appropriate word, as we mostly wear sweaters and hoodies...but we always pair them with a chic coat when we go out!
Honestly, I’m not sure I could answer this question myself! (Laughs, E.D.). What’s the number one item you can’t have missing from your wardrobe?
This is an easy one: a jumpsuit for Célia and an African turban for Aline!
Aline and Célia, what’re the top three moments/accomplishments of your career thus far?
We’d say our first exhibition, our work for Playboy (absolutely fun and unexpected), but mostly the day we decided to quite our jobs and be 100% involved in this Sacrée Frangine adventure. A big step, but we’re proud we made this choice.
What’re the ones you’re attempting to accomplish next? Any exciting collaborations in the works coming up?
Another big step would be to have our own shop/workshop in Paris. We love to collaborate with brands, but we’d like to work more with artisans and develop our own products. We also really like fashion and a lot of textile projects are coming. So stay tuned!
Speaking of the future, where do you see the art world going in an age so digital? Do you think being an artist will become a dying career path? God, I hope not! (Laughs, E.D).
On the contrary, we have the impression that in this digital age, creation is at everyone's reach and inspiration is everywhere. Thanks to social networks, everyone has the means to create, express themselves and make their work known more easily. Unfortunately, it’s also increasingly difficult to reinvent yourself and come up with new things. There’s a growing conformity in the world of art and creation, which is partly due to this digitalization.
With the instant gratification of this digital era, especially with social networks like Instagram, how do you find using this platform for your work? What do you like and dislike about it?
Instagram is a constant source of inspiration. We’ve discovered a lot of different artists and creatives, who’ve boosted our own creativity. It allows us to have direct access to our community all over the world, it’s an excellent vehicle for sharing and exchanging. Anyhow, we still try to keep a certain distance from social networks, which can sometimes be very intrusive.
Lastly, Aline and Célia, if you could have one wish come true, what would it be?
Continuing to live off what we love, succeed in renewing ourselves and find as much pleasure in creating as we do now.
We’re lovers of basics, timeless classics. We like simple yet original cuts and rather monochrome and organic shades, such as brown, beige and pink (the same colors we use in our works).