Marianne Ratier, guest artist
Every season, Bask in the Sun collaborates with artists for its series of printed tees shirts. In the Autumn Winter 2015 collection, Marianne Ratier signs a naturalistic allover theme with bears and owls busy drinking cocktails in the woods; and a plastic cooler with beer and champagne chilling! An opportunity to ask her a few questions.
In a few words. Who are you? Where are you from?
I'm an illustrator living in Paris. I grew up between the inner suburbs and the Ile d'Yeu, where I spent all my vacations. And I still do!
We know it took you a few years to finally take a chance and do what you really wanted to do. Was this a trigger?
Yes, I worked in advertising, but then I decided to take the plunge into illustration. At the time, my first book, a graphic novel entitled Fin Décembre, had just been published. The reviews gave me the desire and courage to let go of the security of a salaried job, and make drawing my full-time profession.
Your drawings are like fables or fairy tales (sometimes as dirty and rough as a Parisian sidewalk, sometimes as close to a child's world as possible). Where does this style come from?
I've always wanted to make children's books; even before my son arrived, my shelves were full of albums. I love that world and it certainly influences my work a lot. But I like to add darker, grittier references to bring him into the adult world.
Are all your drawings done in pencil and colored pencil? Why this technique?
I use different techniques: either I draw on paper and apply my colors on the computer, or I draw directly with colored pencils. I use very fine points, like criterium for graphite, or pens like Rotring for ink. I like the resistance of paper to pencil, which allows me to control my line.
How did you come to collaborate on the tapestry with L'Ours Bar in Paris? Another original commission!
When Enguerrand and Victor contacted me to "dress" the Ours, I was immediately taken by the theme: bears and cocktails, everything I love. We talked about the spirit they wanted to give their bar, and they liked my proposal. Today, they've really made the motif their own, and it's an integral part of the place, which I think is great!
Today, this motif has been adapted for Bask in the Sun. What attracted you to this brand?
Our shared love of the ocean (even though I'm rubbish at surfing) and of drawing!
L'Ours Bar, 8 rue de Paradis, 75010 Paris
