FIDA Interview - James Forchione

When did you first get into drawing

I vividly remember getting bought a 180 piece art kit one Christmas and spending all day everyday drawing away. The excitement of trying out all these different mark making tools and experimenting with what they do was mind-blowing. I also watched a lot of Disney when I was younger and was always fascinated with the animation, not that I knew what it was, I just loved the stylisation. 

Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?

If you speak to most fashion artists they will probably say the fashion came first and the art followed but for me it was the other way round. I knew I loved to draw the human form and with a tutors advise I started to make my work fashion focused and its presented me with opportunities to meet and work with some fantastic people. 

What is your particular working day as a creative?

It always starts with coffee, an espresso to be exact. Check my emails, then I flick through vintage vogues whilst checking in with instagram and catching up with all the amazing inspiring people I follow. Instagram and Pinterest are fabulous for imagery and they always spark my creativity. Then it’s down to business and I start putting paint to paper.

What tools do you use when creating images?

I like to work with all kinds of mediums but my signature is acrylic. It’s a paint that you can really manipulate and use as you desire. It marries with most surfaces, heavy paper or card is my preference, I think each paper gives the piece its own dimension. Im really enjoying working with recycled earth paper at the moment. 

Who are and what has influenced you over the years as an artist?

Im inspired daily. That’s the beauty of cataloguing, there’s endless imagery to process and inspire you to create. Vogue, Couture greats like Dior, Chanel and Yves saint Laurent. In terms of artists, so many to choose from but definitely Egon Schiele, Hilda Glasgow, Laurence Fellows, Gruau, Eric and David Downton. Masters of their crafts and individuals who have influenced me throughout my journey. 

What advise do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?

Take every opportunity presented to you, you never know where it will lead. Immerse yourself in the industry, experience behind the scenes, you’ll learn a lot. My time Illustrating backstage were some of the most enjoyable days in my life, the energy and work that goes into these shows make it almost theatrical. Perfect your style and master your craft. But more than anything, enjoy what you’re doing and it’ll show in your work. 

What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that you are reading? Favourite artist/designer at the moment?

I'm currently looking through some fantastic photographs by the great Henry Clarke, I’m indulging in the boundary pushing shapes and hourglass silhouettes of 1950’s couture. 

Always calm music in the studio, no lyrics just instrumental. I don’t like to cloud my thought process when I am creating. Like many others I’m sure, I am following Schiaparelli very closely at the moment. I love what Daniel is doing there.