Tegan Franks is an emerging artist located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Tegan has a long-standing passion for the creative arts so it was only a matter of time before she added painter to her list of talents. Her works explore, in an evocative and pared-back style, what it feels like to be beachside in Australia in the summertime. With details removed, her works are nuanced and atmospheric.
Painting is her happy place and she loves nothing more than being able to share her passion with art-lovers everywhere.

George Takes Twelve

1. Pleasantries first… Tell us about who you are and what you do?
Hi! My name’s Tegan and I’m an artist based on the Northern Beaches in Sydney. I actually went to university and studied to become a teacher, then I became a mother to four beautiful babies and now I’m able to add painting to that list.

2. What’s something you do every day?
What don’t I do! I’m a mum so therefore I am the cook, cleaner, server, nurse, mediator, driver, basically full time personal assistant to four mini adults. Then when all that’s said and done I squeeze in a little painting.

3. What’s been your favourite moment so far in your career?
My first solo exhibition. A super proud moment for me and my family. Seeing all my pieces together hanging in one space and so well received was a blessing.

4. What’s the most treasured belonging/item in your own home?
I’m not super precious about anything in my home, however, I did just purchase my very first piece of art, not something painted by me, and that’s super special to me.

5. What does your average workday look like?
An average day of painting for me is pretty wild. Generally, I have my work set up and ready to go in my studio, I then usually end up moving it upstairs to my kitchen or bedroom so I can work around the kids. Then I leave to do drop-offs/run errands, then I try to make a start (cue about 50 interruptions) and I make it through about half of what I planned. The rest gets done when everyone is sleeping. It’s crazy, but I make it work.

6. Can you pinpoint the moment what you do turned into a profession for you?
I was inspired by a close friend of mine to give it a go, I painted a small collection and they were really well received and within days I’d made my first sale, it was only up from there.

7. What’s a skill you want to accomplish in 2021?
I’m currently doing a course on screen printing which I’m loving!

8. If you could collaborate with anyone (brand or individual) who would it be?
I love interior design, so to be able to work closely with designers and get my artworks displayed in some beautiful homes would be a dream come true.

9. If you could see your work displayed absolutely anywhere, where would it be?
The Surf Rider in Malibu, such an trendy little hotel in such an iconic spot.

10. You’ve got a week off… where are you headed?
Anywhere on the Amalfi Coast, it’s my home away from home.

11. What’s your favourite project/design so far and why?
I’m currently working on a small series of works dedicated to all the super cool surfer girls out there, I love how they are turning out and hope to do a few more soon.

12. What’s next for you? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline…
I have another exhibition coming up in September. I am also exploring opportunities outside painting with some amazing small businesses and am looking forward to seeing where that takes me.

Meet the Maker Radio

TITLE
“I honestly don’t listen to music that often so it’s a real mixed bag. I just like songs that make me want to sing or dance.” – Tegan Franks

Where to find Tegan

Name: Tegan Franks
Business Name: Art By Tegan
Job Title: Artist
Website: teganfranks.com
Instagram: @by.tegan

Photography by Jessie Ann