In the Studio with Savannah Du Quercy

Feb 11, 2016 | 4 min read

The budding artist opens the doors to her art studio

MOJEH.com meets the budding Dubai-based artist to discuss the passions that inspire her beautiful artistry.

How did your interest in art evolve?

My interest in art evolved as I was growing up. Studying in London and going to a performing arts school where I was acting, dancing and singing with hundreds of other incredible artistic people made me discover how much I needed the arts in order to function. I was very lucky to have been surrounded by a powerful artistic environment because it allowed me to have a clear understanding about what I wanted to do with my life.

What influences your art work?

Being someone who is very visual, a lot of things in my day-to-day life influence my work in ways, which I don't necessarily notice. People influence my work, as well as places, but my favourite influences are stories. People always have such inspiring stories to tell and that most definitely influences my work in terms of content, emotion or even colour.

Where else do your passions lie?

In acting. I really believe that art and acting are incredibly interlinked and that each of these artistic forms really fuels the other. Acting and art are so powerful, hard and incredibly challenging which is why I love them both so much. I also enjoy reading a lot, whether its plays, novels, essays, scripts or poetry.

How does your passion drive you?

Emotion, experiences and stories drive me to create everyday, but I also hope that one day I can leave a legacy and give the opportunity to the newer generation to realise their passion and follow their dreams to no matter what degree of recognition.

What is your favourite piece you have worked on?

I don't think I have a favourite piece. I try to put all of my energy and imagination into each piece of work, however there are some that made me realise something new about my style or my technique. A good example is my artwork entitled “Encounters” which was done on a container door that involves a very contemporary approach along with graffiti style fundamentals.

Which artists are you most inspired by?

Basquiat, Snyder, Twombly, Tracey Emin and Kiefer are some of the artists I get inspired by.

Where is your most-loved city and how does it inform your work?

Paris, London and Rome. These 3 cities have a very strong sense of culture and walking through their streets simply inspires me. Everything in each of these cities is so authentic to its own culture and that informs my work in so many ways.

Where are your top spots in Dubai for creativity and inspiration?

Alserkal Avenue is always inspiring for the galleries and art works. The Old Dubai is also a place I like going to as it’s so different from the rest of Dubai. The faces you can see there are just incredible. You can literally see people’s life stories in their faces. I love watching and observing things and people, so Old Dubai is definitely a gem when it comes to that. Finally, Jumeirah beach and its calmness at night, that allows my thoughts to travel with the sound of the waves. It’s such a peaceful place that always refreshes my body and mind. A healthy choice whenever I feel lost.

In the Studio with Savannah Du Quercy

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In the Studio with Savannah Du Quercy

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The Best Of MOJEH
At Your Fingertips