Francesca Melis spent her in childhood Sardinia which ignited a lifelong passion for creativity. From vibrant beginnings to the chill pace of New Zealand, her eclectic background in Classics, Photography, and Graphic Design has resulted in a dynamic fusion of psychedelic design and Sardinian heritage. Her eye-catching work has landed on album covers, popular and artisan products and we are lucky enough to stock her fine art prints. We asked Francesca some questions about her life as an artist and some of the super cool projects she's been involved with. 

In Francesca's Studio with art prints available at  endemicworld.com

What were you like as a kid?

I was a very energetic and creative kid, always experimenting and doing things with my hands - I always wanted to be outside exploring. I spent my childhood with my cousins in a very small village in Sardinia, surrounded by plants and animals. We used to make our own toys with what we had using our imagination. I remember very long moments of boredom at times but I know now that unconsciously we were boosting our creativity, giving ourselves the chance to wonder and to notice things around us.

How did you start your career as an artist?

It’s been a very organic process and things didn’t happen overnight. At the beginning I used to draw only personal pieces as a way to express my feelings and what was happening around me. Slowly I started receiving enquiries from people wanting me to create artworks for them. My first jobs as an illustrator were posters for festivals or musicians. That gave me the chance to reach other markets and now I still work in the music industry but also with agencies, studios, book publishers and magazines.

Insitu & Detail of 'Libertas' Art Print

What’s your background? Did you go to art school?

I studied Classics and Photography in Italy, and Graphic Design in New Zealand.

Can you describe your style?

I like to think that my style is constantly changing and evolving. It is inspired by the psychedelic designs of the 1960's and the ancient embroideries and textures of the rich cultural heritage of Sardinia. I love to mix bright pop colours, surreal environments and mythology with animals and botanical elements to create utopian words where reality and imagination coexist. 

What are the main themes/ideas in your art?

There are so many, I take inspiration from very different topics. The main recurrent themes are usually the environment, the connection between humans and the natural world, equality and equity, identity, mental health etc. I am interested in everything around me that somehow catches my attention.

What materials do you prefer working with, and what's your process for creating new artwork?

Pencils, inks and paper to sketch and brainstorm ideas then my computer to add colours.

What/who is your main source of inspiration?

The rich cultural heritage of Sardinia, the groovy 1960’s/1970’s psychedelic art and the botanical paintings of the 18th century.

What do you want people to think/feel when they see your art?

I hope my pieces take people somewhere new and make them escape reality with their imagination, even if it’s only for a few seconds.

Where do you create and what are you working on right now?

A series of illustrations for a magazine. In my home studio.

What are your plans for the future or something you would like to work on next?

I would love to experiment more with painting and create a series of new pieces on wood.

In three words how do you like to describe your artwork?

Utopian. Botanical. Nostalgic.

We look forward to seeing new paintings and more exciting art prints at endemicworld. Francesca's attention to detail is so minute, you'll find yourself discovering new things everytime you look at it.