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found the experience exhilarating. So when he asked me again, I didn’t hesitate I said yes straight away. But of course, this time I was being photographed with my daughter which threw in a different dynamic. The experience was more relational than about being or looking fabulous. 3. What are your feelings about: a - the painting of you
Tomi: I feel that the painting is very good, but I think photographs capture everything, and paintings do, but in a strange way. Funke: The interesting things about portraits are that they capture things the subject projects without his or her awareness. I had no idea I had a quiet defiance sort of pervading my surface. I found it surprising initially, but I’ve come round to embracing it. I like it now. It’s me. b - the photograph of you?
Tomi: I look stunning. Funke: I’m getting old! My profile again has a quiet strength which I think I’m good at hiding. I like it. I suppose I like the fact that the woman with the quiet strength is looking up to a child that’s exuberant and full of life. It’s great. 4. How would you describe yourself, and have any of your experiences in participating in this project changed that description?
Tomi: I would describe myself as beautiful eyed and mouthed girl. Small ears, bushy eyebrows, lovely shaped nose and gorgeous dark brown frizzy hair. And I look the same. Funke: I would describe myself as youthful, easy on the eye 40 year old. Yes, I suppose the project has changed that description somewhat. Now I think I look like a woman who has an inner strength which makes her comfortable in her skin. I have to accept that from now on I must use the term youthful sparingly. 5. Is there anything else you want to say about any aspect of this project?
Tomi: I appreciate that you asked my mother and I to be a part of this project. I am truly thankful. Funke: Yes, it was a great experience and I’m happy I was asked. Thank you very much Sally and Robert.
Gemma Petch DESIGNER 10 1. Before the painting and photography took place what were your feelings about: a - having your portrait painted
Before I saw Sally’s previous paintings I was much less daunted by being painted. My view was that a painting is more of the artist’s interpretation and less of a reality and as she knew me she wouldn’t be too harsh or paint anything too unflattering - I hoped. After such a hectic few weeks I looked forward to sitting still for a long time, in the calm with just my own thoughts. b - having your photograph taken?
I was more worried about the photograph as I figured that the ‘camera doesn’t lie’ and I might not like what was captured. I don’t feel that I am very photogenic and I’m very fickle when it comes to photos of myself. As I didn’t know Robert, I worried the end result would not necessarily be as I see myself - rather the honest truth! I was prepared to just be myself and made a conscious decision not to change after work or redo my makeup so that the picture reflected the true me, just home from a long day, minimum sleep and maximum spontaneity. I liked the idea of having a record of this period of my life. Whether I like it now or not, I still recognise that in years to come it will be something I look back on and appreciate with more objectivity. 2. What are your feelings about: a - sitting for Sally
I had only just got back from New York and had worked so hard all week with a long commute every day. It was the eve of my birthday so everything was happening and I was exhausted. We had dinner, a glass of red wine and then sat down to do the painting and almost instantly I was fighting to keep my eyes open. With regular sugar breaks I managed to stay awake, but I was worried that Sally’s interpretation might be of a party girl, juggling an unmanageable social/work life and only just keeping her head above water - rather than the determined career minded sociable designer I put out to be! b - being photographed by Robert?
Robert really brought that out in me. He was very flattering and helped me to relax a little in front of the camera. I was
nervous about ‘performing’ as I didn’t expect to enjoy having so much focus on me, but after a while I started to enjoy the feeling - it felt very self indulgent! 3. What are your feelings about: a - the painting of you
I love the painting of me. It captures that drive and determination I have had to find in myself over the past year or so, but also manages to hint at a playful, humourous side in the smile, maybe someone who doesn’t take things too seriously. The shadows and high contrast light Sally used creates a dramatic, intense effect which is very powerful. I think the word ‘fierce’ was used to describe the painting and this word sums up the feeling perfectly - coincidentally it was a word we’d coined in New York the previous week to describe ourselves - a ‘pack’ of 6 girls spending more money than we had ever imagined on martinis and Louboutins! b - the photograph of you?
I love the photograph too. I find it interesting that Robert has captured a much more feminine side of me. At one point he asked me to pose in a very similar way to the way Sally had me sit for the painting and I tried hard not to influence him either way, although he seemed to be leaning towards a ‘sultry stare’ type of look as Sally had. So I am pleased that the photograph he felt best expressed me at that moment is so different from the pose Sally chose of me. I think it shows more of the playful, light hearted side of me. 4. How would you describe yourself, and have any of your experiences in participating in this project changed that description?
I realised that, however much I claim I don’t, I really do like being the centre of attention in one way or another. Whether that’s through being the ‘organiser’ or the person who brings people together or does things for others, I seem to think it important to be in the middle of the action and at the front of people’s minds. Maybe that’s a way of me seeking acceptance. That’s something I have to think a bit more about myself. 5. Is there anything else you want to say about any aspect of this project?
Thank you both.
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