Sara Fanelli. Creature Creator for Children’s Illustration
Sara Fanelli was born in Florence in 1969 on the day that man landed on the moon. Her American
mother was an art historian, and her father taught the history of architecture. She studied for a Diploma
di Maturita at the Liceo Classico Michelangelo before coming to England to continue her education.
She completed a City and Guilds Foundation Course Diploma at London Art School and a BA (Hons) in
Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Art before going on to study for an MA in Illustration at the
Royal College of Art, London.
“I like to experiment. When I make a collage illustration I start with a drawing of the composition,
the layout. Then I play around with it, interweaving it with all the different items I might be using.
I like to play around with the typography too and create my own lettering. I don’t use a computer to
create artwork. Too many designers rely on them”. Sara has also helped illustrate many books.
“I might use a piece of paper, perhaps one with curious stains or marks on it, or a sweet wrapper
or a piece of my Grandmother’s writing – a shopping list for example. I enjoy printmaking,
particularly etching, and sometimes I’ll cut up the prints and use them in my collages”
“Every object has a story behind it to be relayed or reinvented. Handwriting in an unexpected context is
very evocative. I create the different textures in my work by sprinkling the surface with things like sugar,
lentils, spaghetti and rice”. I’ve noticed her childhood dog ‘Bubu’ makes a few appearances too.
Beautiful variety in her work, strange creatures painted on tickets, graph papers and an eclectic mix of
found and created surfaces, give Saras’ work such diversity and rich textures.
There is an interesting interview on mad.co.uk here.
fishinkblog.com 
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So glad to be of help. Thanks for letting me know. Do tell your friends about Fishink Blog. Thanks
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Great to hear. Many thanks for spreading the word.
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It was really inspiring but what happened during her childhood?
Hi Husna, Glad you found it inspiring. Regarding her childhood, I don’t know any more, I’m afraid.
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Thank you, that’s great to hear, I really appreciate your comments.