Karolina Franceschinni’s Dual Dance with Art and Design.

Karolina Franceschinni is a remarkable continental talent whose journey spans disciplines and is deeply dedicated to painting and interior design. With roots in the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan and further refinement at Birmingham City University, Karolina has carved a niche that beautifully marries her artistic passion with practical design. Now a fixture in Glasgow for nearly two decades, she shares insights into her life’s work, her philosophy on art and design, and the intuitive process behind her captivating pieces. Have a glimpse of the heart and mind of a truly dedicated artist and designer.

Tell us about your journey through the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan and Birmingham City University. How did these experiences shape your artistic practice?

So those two were like two different worlds. My time at the Fine Art Academy was more about self-discovery. When I went to Birmingham University, I did my Master in Interior Design, and that was just all about becoming a competent designer in the future… and getting a job, haha. I am glad I’ve done both.

2. What inspired you to pursue degrees in Painting and Interior Design? How do these disciplines intersect in your work?

Let’s be realistic, painting always had been the love of my life and I will always do it, but it’s not a sustainable way of making a living; I had to have a Plan B. Interior Design was my Plan B, and it was a sage decision because this is what’s keeping me safe and gives me a creative freedom.

3. What led you to Glasgow and what made you stay in Glasgow (how many years)?

It’s really hard to believe it, but it has been nineteen years that I’ve been in Glasgow. This is my home now. Nothing will change it; chemistry is just right (hahaha). I love Scotland, but the fact that I ended up here was a complete coincidence. It was never a plan. You need to go where life takes you.

4. Could you describe your role as a painter and interior designer? How do you balance these two creative pursuits?

It’s very interesting that you ask how you describe the ‘role’ of a painter and the role of the designer. I keep those two separate. My job brings money to the table; it’s a stable income, and I absolutely enjoy it. Don’t get me wrong; I am also very good at it.

But painting… being an artist is something that is within you. You have to do it, so it’s not a choice. It’s a way of life.

I divide my week in half and only work on designs from my home office. My studio in Briggait is for painting only.

5. Your artwork titled “Dream On” is intriguing. What inspired this particular piece, and what message or emotion were you aiming to convey?

This piece is just one of many I’ve done, but it’s not my favourite or the most spectacular. It is a good representation of my art – being intuitive, having fun with it, and being imaginative.

There is no specific aim with it; whatever I create comes from inside. It’s kind of a translation of how I see things.

6. We know you participated in the Scottish Prize for Fine Art. Can you share your experience about the exhibition where your artwork was displayed?

I took part in it, and this particular work we mentioned before was in it, so I’ve mentioned it. Winning any price can be career-changing for some people, but you don’t want to seek everybody else’s approval to value yourself constantly, do you?

7. Winning competitions can be a significant achievement. How has recognition from Windsor and Newton impacted you as a creative person?

One of the competitions I won was a while ago. I got the Windsor and Newton Young Painter reward, which was part of the Royal Society of Oil Painters exhibition. That one was quite important because it was at the beginning of my career – that’s a big boost of confidence and I needed that then.

8. Your artwork, notably “Dream On,” has captivated many with its unique allure. In a world where many artists paint flowers and still life, what do you believe sets your work apart and draws people to it? Furthermore, do you think artworks reflect the artist’s soul? Is this the ingredient that makes every artwork different?

I think you shouldn’t get fooled with the subject of my work. The fact is that those flowers are not really of any importance; the subject of my work is the relationship between the colours and the tension between them.

Flowers are my preferred tool at the moment, but it could be anything. It could be completely abstract. It doesn’t matter. I don’t paint flowers per se

9. As someone who rents a studio, what advice do you have for emerging artists looking for affordable and suitable studio spaces?

If you can get studio share, that’s the easiest way to get on the studio property ladder and it’s an affordable way to have your own space

10. How do you approach self-promotion as a creative professional? What strategies have been most effective for gaining visibility and attracting clients?

I must admit that I was lucky enough to get on some of the art platforms early like we’re talking about ten years ago or earlier than that. Saachiart , Artfinder and The Artlink- are my main platforms now, and this is where I sell my work.

11. Could you share some insights into the challenges and rewards of balancing a painter and interior designer career?

I will be brutally honest with you: my interior design career brings the money, and it’s paying for the freedom of being a painter. Don’t get me wrong, I make quite a bit of money on my painting, but it’s just a bit of a Wild West out there.

I am a mom with a mortgage; I need a stable income.

12. How do you find inspiration for your artwork and design projects? Are there any specific sources or rituals that help fuel your creativity?

I go out! I spend time outdoors. I explore nature and look for inspiration in every little living thing there. I take many pictures in the Woodlands, in the mountains, in the gardens, in the sea, underwater, and anywhere. There’s just so much, so much you can find if you open your eyes!

13. How do you navigate the intersection of traditional techniques and contemporary trends in your work?

There is no way to navigate it; you just go for it and explore, you experiment. I think experimentation is the key to progress and that’s what I do

14. Collaboration is often an essential aspect of painting and interior design. How do you approach collaboration with clients or other artists/designers?

I think collaboration with other designers is more straightforward and natural. I work with many people; we constantly bounce ideas off each other and seek advice. If you’re stuck on a project and want a fresh perspective – you reach out to get it, just to get this trigger for an idea. Fine art, like painting, is slightly different in my case. It’s something that is maybe a bit personal. I appreciate other people and take inspiration from them, but painting is more of an individual experience.

15. What are some common misconceptions about fine art, and how do you address them in your practice?

Oh, I don’t know about this one.

It doesn’t matter to me. I do my own thing; I don’t overthink it. I try to focus on the quality of painting in my work and being intuitive. It comes from the heart, not from the mind. I think this is one of the misconceptions that bugs me: not everything an artist creates has a deep thought behind it 😉

16. What advice would you give to college students studying fine art or interior design who aspire to pursue careers similar to yours?

With interior design, you must be open to taking any opportunity on your way because it’s a crowded market. Interior designers are no doctors. There is not that high demand for them, and whatever you can grab to start and get your career going, just go with it. Um, yeah, it’s competitive.

But fine art is for the soul, so dive in.

17. How do you stay updated on industry trends and developments in the art and design world?

18. when it comes to interior design, there’s one place that I would absolutely recommend to everyone – Material Source, now in Glasgow, a handy place to be and to get your inspiration and up-to-date trends

19. What role do exhibitions and gallery shows play in your career trajectory? How do you select which exhibitions to participate in?

My work mainly sells outside the UK, so my platform is virtual. I don’t benefit much from showing my work in the UK galleries. I do it every now and then locally because, you know, I’m a Glasgow-based artist; that’s Why I want to be part of the Scottish Fine Art Awards and get involved in a lot of WASPS exhibitions because that’s where I am.

20. Can you share any experiences or lessons learned from setbacks or challenges you’ve encountered in your career?

Huh, that’s a good one. I would like to use a metaphor from sports (I’m involved in some sports as well) – “You miss every shot you won’t take”.

I think it’s a perfect metaphor to apply to arts. You know if you don’t try, nothing is ever going to happen, so that’s my way to look at the setbacks – yeah, you miss every shot you don’t take

21. What are your goals and aspirations as an artist and interior designer? How do you plan to continue evolving and growing in your practice?

We’ll see what happens. I don’t make too many plans. I like to be surprised.

Images’ rights reserved by Karolina Franceschinni.