Bringing Life with a Line. Artistic Workshops with Marek Frankowski
Interview conducted by Serhiy Savchenko — artist, Artistic Director of Savchenko Gallery.
One of the most fascinating aspects of working within cultural institutions, especially art galleries, is the opportunity to meet extraordinary personalities — people who form the true “core” of the artistic culture that surrounds us every day.
When I met the person whose conversation I would like to present to you today, a particular vision of our existence in space and time through the prism of art suddenly appeared in my mind. I saw a giant whale, and we — like the traveler Sindbad — journey through continents of an endless planet of imagination inside its warm interior. It is a journey through fairy-tale landscapes which, although they do not physically exist, have a profound influence on our worldview and the shaping of our personality from childhood.
Please forgive me… I must apologize for such free associations when speaking about a topic as serious as culture. However, I have my reasons. The person whose thoughts I want to share with you today is the creator of these very worlds through which this friendly giant whale carries us.
Today we speak with a resident of Gdańsk — an artist, illustrator, dreamer, and visionary: Marek Frankowski. More than that — we have the unique opportunity to host Marek at Savchenko Gallery during his workshops as part of the “EDUKULTURA” and “IN CREO” projects. But more on that in a moment.
And now — our conversation about what is important and simply interesting in the life of an artist who creates what does not exist, yet feels “more than real.”
Serhiy Savchenko: Do you remember the moment when you felt that a pencil was your superpower? How did your journey with illustration begin?
Marek Frankowski: I’ve been drawing since childhood. I think everyone starts that way, but the secret is not to stop. Unfortunately, art education sometimes works against that — there are teachers who can discourage students, not only from art.
My breakthrough moment was the opportunity to paint a mural on the wall of my classroom in primary school. The wall had been covered with grey paper beforehand. It was the eighth grade, and the idea came from my art teacher. After that, things moved forward quickly — the Art High School in Gdynia Orłowo and then the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk.
You teach graphics on a daily basis. What inspires you most in working with people? Do you ever learn from your students?
There is always space for an exchange of knowledge, especially today when almost everything is available online. I tell my students that these are very helpful tools… but you need to know how to use them in practice. That’s where the teacher comes in. You can figure things out on your own, but with a good teacher, the process is much faster.
If you had to point to the heart of a good illustration — what would it be? Emotion, composition, or perhaps light that brings the frame to life?
There is no single answer. I always start with emotion and the energy I want to convey. Then I choose the appropriate tools and style. However, to make the work truly affect the viewer, you cannot ignore the fundamentals — composition, knowledge of color relationships, anatomy (not only human), and of course mastery of drawing and painting tools.
Illustration today has many faces — from books to digital graphics. Where do you feel most “at home” and why?
I am also a photographer. I often think about how digital cameras changed the approach to photography. For me, it was a perfect learning tool. I could correct framing and exposure within seconds. In the past, I had to wait five days to develop film and prints. Digital painting works in a similar way — you can fix parts of an illustration at any time. However, without understanding the basics and working with traditional media, you can get lost in endless digital corrections 🙂
Your characters have “something” special. How can a figure on paper become alive and close to the reader?
This will be one of the topics during my workshops 🙂 You’re welcome.
In the age of tablets, you invite people to work with pencil and ink. What is the magic of these classic tools?
Digital tools were built on the knowledge and experience of artists working with traditional media. For those who already work digitally, this will be a new experience — contact with material. Paper, its weight, and the ability to use its texture — all this can bring new inspiration. Especially since techniques like wet-on-wet painting are still not widely explored in the digital world.
Give us a glimpse: what will the workshops at Savchenko Gallery look like? Is it true that everyone will leave with their own comic mock-up?
Contrary to appearances, the process of creating a comic is not that simple. It’s not just drawings with speech bubbles. I want to show my participants tools and methods to create a story that can be told in comic form. Creating a mock-up is one of those tools. But before that, you need some theory and drawing skills.
You work with children, teenagers, and adults. How do you find a common language with young dreamers and adults returning to their passion?
For ten years I’ve been teaching graphic arts at universities, and I also run postgraduate courses. I plan workshops for students of grades 7–8 and a second group for high school students and adults. I believe these age groups will find it easier to learn and create together.
We all start somewhere. What advice would you give your younger self not to fear the “blank page”?
Every journey begins with the first step. You need the courage to take it. Then comes the next, and the next. Drawing is similar. At the beginning, it’s not just about a line or a shape — it’s about knowing how to make that first line, and why. Otherwise, it’s just artistic scribbling 🙂
Why do you want to teach? What gives you the most joy in guiding others in their creative development?
Drawing is both my passion and my profession. Over the years of teaching, I’ve noticed a gradual loss of the ability to draw on paper. But after just a few hours working with a pencil, everything changes — it’s a completely different dynamic. Especially when you have access to good pencils, crayons, and paints. The moment when a student says, “Aha! So that’s how you can draw it!” — that brings great satisfaction.
I believe my workshops can accelerate the learning process. Maybe someone needs an impulse to return to drawing? Maybe someone doesn’t know how to start?
Let’s create a group that supports and inspires each other creatively. You are very welcome to join!