I’ve long been an admirer of artists’ line drawings. The minimalism has such an elegance to it. Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse are known for the abstract approach, Picasso used to practise drawing his own little sausage dog, Lump, with one continuous line.

The line drawings feel magnanimous and inventive; there’s an accessibility to the style, anyone can pick up a marker pen and have a go. Christiane Spangsberg is the new queen of the two-dimensional style and initially got into one-line drawings by joking at how easy Picasso’s line drawings look. Now she’s hooked by the challenge, even drawing some of her pieces blind.

With a sophisticated aesthetic and addictive Instagram page, Spangsberg has been interviewed by both Australian Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, despite the fact that she lives and works across the world in an attic studio in Copenhagen. Forming a fashion collaboration with J.V. Reid, you can now wear one of her prints on a plain white, cotton t-shirt.

It’s not hard to find artists inspired by one-line drawings at the moment. I’ve seen minimal designs populated by tattoo artists and jewellers. This Stella & Sebastian earring is such a beautiful way to pay homage to Matisse’s artwork. The fact it’s a single earring makes it feel more unique, a piece of wearable art. I love the way that the inherently two-dimensional design looks when it’s transformed into a metal thread.

You can imagine my delight when I realised that a local art student, someone from my hometown, has turned one of her own line drawings into a t-shirt. Another example of a unique piece of wearable art. 

Wearing a genderless face, an interview with Clarice Elliott

Clarice Elliott has just graduated from Falmouth Uni with a BA in fashion marketing, emerging as a talented photographer, stylist and creative design student too. I asked for a t-shirt and came away with an interview and photographs in tow.

What I’ve found really interesting, is the way that Clarice picks up on the genderless quality of these line drawings. Her design seems neither feminine nor masculine and the t-shirt matches with a boxy, unisex fit.

Here are some of Clarice’s photographs of her offbeat t-shirt design.

with the face drawing it is simple and neutral… the audience make their own interpretations as to the gender and characteristics of the individual.

Hattie Bottom: Please tell me more about this drawing, where did you find inspiration for the design?

Clarice Elliott: At Art Foundation, before my degree, we were always told to take a sketchbook with us, to record anything intriguing that we found. As a result, I have frequently ended up creating linear sketches, which often take place when I am away from home and tend to focus on people.

HB:  What is it about the style that you like?

CE: It has to be its minimal quality, whilst also allowing the viewer to make a contribution. For example, with the face drawing, it is simple and neutral, allowing the audience to make their own interpretations as to the gender and characteristics of the individual.

HB: What’s the story behind your logo?

CE: This linear drawing actually stems from a photograph I took in the Tate Modern. At the time, I was also inspired by the work of Thomas Struth, looking into one’s interaction with their surroundings.

HB: After your final year at Falmouth, [congratulations on getting a first!], what will you miss?

CE: That’s a tough question, I think it’s got to be the frequent sea swimming.

HB: You’ve had some amazing internships, including a showroom assistant role at JOSEPH last September. What area of fashion are you most interested in?

CE: Thank you! I am extremely interested in styling and visual merchandising, although more recently it would have to be creative direction, branding and graphics.

HB: What are your favourite three items in your wardrobe at the moment?

CE: My trusty, light blue, denim mom jeans, my yellow long-sleeved Stüssy t-shirt and my black snakeskin docs.

And now I have a new favourite t-shirt…

 

Website: Clarice Elliott
Instagram: Clarice.e_
Model: Ice Charuwimonul

 

College of Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse line drawings compiled from Pinterest.