Carlotta Hey is a Melbourne-based artist with an extensive background in fashion and product design. Originally from Europe, she spent over two decades designing for major brands before launching her own creative label. Her artwork focuses on the human and feminine form, using clothing as a means of storytelling and self-expression. Carlotta’s distinctive style, marked by a muted color palette and minimalistic compositions, allows her to capture emotions and textures while inviting viewers into moments of introspection. In this interview, she discusses her creative evolution, the intersection of fashion and fine art, and the emotional depth behind her work.

Can you share your journey from the fashion industry to becoming a fine artist, and how has your background in product and fashion design influenced your artistic practice?

The pivotal moment came when personal circumstances compelled me to travel frequently between Australia and Europe, forcing me to leave my structured career in fashion design. However, I used this opportunity to step back and reflect on my artistic journey.

I began to reconnect with my roots in art and illustration, discovering that I could merge my design background with my passion for drawing.

As I embraced this transition, I found that my fashion design background became a powerful asset in my artistic practice. My understanding of garment construction informs my ability to depict clothing in a way that captures its movement, drape, and texture.

With a conscious choice to adopt a minimalist color palette, I focus on highlighting the interplay of light and shadow, textures, and the subtleties of fabric. This approach allows me to evoke emotions without overwhelming the viewer, showcasing the craftsmanship behind both fashion and illustration.

Your work focuses on the human and feminine form, often using fashion as a key element. How does clothing serve as a form of self-expression in your art, and what role does it play in conveying emotions?

Clothing serves as a powerful form of self-expression in my art, acting as both a visual language and a medium through which deeper emotions and narratives are conveyed. The human and feminine form has always intrigued me, and through my illustrations, I explore how the garments we choose to wear become extensions of our identities, reflecting not only our personal aesthetics but also our inner worlds.

In my artistic practice, I view clothing as more than just fabric; it is a representation of an individual’s story, aspirations, and emotional state. The way people adorn themselves can communicate confidence, vulnerability, rebellion, or comfort, and I strive to capture these nuances in my work. For instance, a tailored suit may exude power and confidence, while an oversized sweater might evoke feelings of comfort and coziness.

By illustrating these contrasts, I aim to create a rich narrative that transcends the visual and invites the viewer to engage with the subject’s emotional landscape. I want my audience to feel as if they are peering into a moment of vulnerability or strength, allowing them to connect with the emotions and stories that each figure embodies.

Your use of a muted color palette and minimalistic compositions emphasizes the figure. How does this approach allow you to explore the relationship between the subject and the viewer?

My use of a muted color palette and minimalist compositions is a deliberate strategy to emphasize the figure and foster a deeper connection between the subject and the viewer. This approach allows me to strip away distractions and focus on the essence of each illustration, inviting the audience to engage more intimately with the artwork.

By limiting the color palette, I create a visual environment that highlights the nuances of texture and structure within the garments. The interplay of light and shadow becomes more pronounced, allowing the viewer to appreciate the intricacies of fabric and the silhouette of the figure. This emphasis on texture not only adds depth to the illustrations but also encourages the viewer to contemplate the tactile qualities of the clothing and the emotions they evoke.

In a world saturated with visual noise, the simplicity of my compositions offers clarity and a moment of pause. This clarity invites viewers to focus on the connection between the subject and themselves. When the visual elements are minimal, the viewer is encouraged to engage more actively with the figure, exploring the subtleties of expression, posture, and garment choice. This engagement fosters a dialogue, as the viewer may see reflections of their own experiences and emotions in the subject, creating an intimate bond between them and the artwork.

You mention wanting to blur the lines between traditional fashion illustration and fine art. How are you exploring this transition in your current work, and what new horizons are you hoping to reach?

To bridge the gap between fashion illustration and fine art, I am experimenting with various mediums and techniques. While my roots are in traditional illustration, I am increasingly integrating mixed media into my work. This includes combining watercolor, ink, and digital elements, as well as incorporating unconventional materials such as fabric swatches. By doing so, I aim to create layered narratives that celebrate both the artistry of fashion and the emotional depth of fine art, inviting the viewer to engage with the piece on multiple levels.

I am also focusing on the conceptual aspects of my work, delving into themes that go beyond the mere representation of garments. By exploring ideas of identity, memory, and cultural significance within the context of fashion, I hope to evoke a deeper emotional response from the viewer. For instance, I might create pieces that reflect on the stories behind specific garments, their historical significance, or their emotional resonance in our lives.

By infusing my illustrations with these layers of meaning, I aim to position them within the fine art discourse, encouraging viewers to engage with fashion as a profound form of expression.

What do you hope viewers experience when they engage with your work, particularly the stillness and simplicity of your compositions?

In a fast-paced world filled with visual noise and constant stimulation, I aim for my work to provide a moment of pause. The stillness in my compositions invites viewers to slow down, take a breath, and immerse themselves in the artwork.

Through simplicity, I strive to convey complex emotions and narratives. I hope viewers can connect with the figures and garments on a personal level, finding echoes of their own experiences and feelings within the artwork. The limited color palette and minimalist approach create a focus on texture, light, and shadow, which can evoke a range of emotions—be it nostalgia, tranquility, or introspection. I want viewers to feel something profound as they engage with the work, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding.

The stillness in my work draws attention to the intricacies of fabric and design, encouraging viewers to appreciate the artistry involved in both fashion and illustration. By focusing on texture, structure, and the subtleties of light, I aim to highlight the craftsmanship behind each garment. I hope this appreciation extends to the understanding that fashion can be an art form in its own right.

I also envision my work as a starting point for conversations about the interplay between fashion, art, and personal identity. The simplicity of my compositions allows for open interpretation, inviting viewers to engage in dialogue about their own perceptions and experiences related to the themes presented. I hope my artwork serves as a catalyst for discussions that explore the broader implications of fashion as a medium of expression.