MANUELA STRANO
What did you know of Jack O’Neill & his iconic look before submitting your
work. How did you find him to draw?
I’ve obviously been aware of the brand all my life but had never seen a picture of Jack before now. He has such an amazing face that tells a million stories, I now have a new found respect for the brand and how it began. I’ve never done a large portrait before and enjoyed putting all the detail into his face and that impressive beard. All those great photos of Jack for inspiration helped a lot! I used colour for his eye patch as it’s such an iconic feature and one of the elements that gives him so much character. I wanted to add a reference to water and the surf which is what became the blue and white triangles at the bottom of the work.
What medium’s do you work with?
I generally work on brown paper with coloured pencils and ink pens. I like the texture and gradients of pencils on paper and the fine detail of ink pens. Also I don’t have a lot of room in my apartment so paper is practical! I’d like to start experimenting with acrylic paint and pine board one day soon.
What do you call your style of art?
I think it sits somewhere between reality and the surreal. Sometimes it’s a little bit quirky, sometimes a little bit odd. I’m constantly creating coloured geometric shapes and patterns contrasted with black and white organic forms.
Are you classically trained?
Self taught and still learning as I go, but my background is in design which I think informs the type of work I do in someways.
Where would you like to see your piece eventually hanging?
Anywhere that people like looking at it!
