Artist and illustrator Gail Gosschalk grew up in Dulwich, but now lives and works in Paris. She’s returning to the village this week to display her work as part of Dulwich Safari. Dulwich OnView spoke to her recently.
Tell us a little about your work.
Having grown up in Dulwich, I thrived in the JAGS art department and went on to study at the Wimbledon School of Art and at Northumbria University where I graduated in Womenswear. Work experience led me to trend agencies in New York and Paris, the latter being my long-standing love affair. I settled in Paris in 2004 and my smile has never been wider as I draw and draw and draw….
I am now a freelance illustrator with clients ranging from Hermès to Flammarion, though I work mainly on commission-based illustration and decoration projects.
How does leafy Paris compare to leafy Dulwich?
I find that Dulwich represents a happy childhood nostalgia surrounded by parks, friends and beautiful serenity. It’s always the most delicious counterpoint to leave the effervescent Gare du Nord and arrive at St Pancras where one slowly adapts to London, through Brixton and the sudden burst of greenery as soon as you approach Dulwich.
Born to a French mother I consider myself an intimate foreigner here, though I wonder whether my tourist’s eyes will ever grow accustomed to the omnipresent beauty. Right now I can hear pigeons fluttering on my balcony that overlooks Notre Dame, the Panthéon and the Pompidou, all bathed this incredible apricot light…
What are you going to be displaying on 7 June?
The exhibition is a chance for me to show my vision of Dulwich through watercolours and drawings. Architectural studies are a big part of my work so all the beautiful monuments and details serve as inspiration though Sherlock Holmes, Mary Poppins and a bunch of royal poodles make guest appearances.
Can we buy your pieces?
Work will be for sale on the day. You’ll have to come on the Safari to find out more!
A percentage of proceeds are going to Dulwich Helpline.
The details:
Sunday 7 June. 2-6pm.
62 Dulwich Village
There’s also a public facebook event page for the event. You’ll need to be registered with facebook to see it.
