Spiritual Practice with Liobhan Clancy

December 10, 2024

Liobhan Clacy, winner of the Fida Excellence in Visual Arts, Graphics & Illustration Award, shares her deep connection with leopards and their power to inspire her creative journey. Her bold and spirited work reflects a fearless pursuit of her goals, unwavering discipline, and a profound love for art, nature, and fashion.

Is being an artist your full-time profession, or more of a personal passion?

Being an artist is both my passion and my profession. I feel incredibly lucky to have found a way to align my career with something I deeply love. To me, being an artist means pouring my heart and soul into every piece I create, while also having the privilege of making a living doing what inspires me most.

Have you entered the awards before, and if so, how many times? If it’s your first time, what made you apply or influenced you to take the plunge?

This was my first time entering, so I was completely shocked when I won. Honestly, I entered because I wanted to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. It felt like the right moment to share my work with a broader audience and see how it resonated with others - and I’m so grateful I took the leap!

How did you feel when you found out that you had won the award, and what do you hope to gain by winning?

I was absolutely blown away. The standard of entries was incredibly high, and to win felt surreal - I have to say I was completely gobsmacked. Winning this award has boosted my confidence as an artist, and I hope it will open up new opportunities to connect with others in the art and fashion world, collaborate on exciting projects, and further share my work with a wider audience.

What does this recognition mean to you as an artist?

This recognition is deeply validating. It feels like a nod from the universe, reassuring me that I’m on the right path. As an artist, it can sometimes be difficult to gauge whether your work is making an impact, but this award has reaffirmed my belief in what I’m doing and inspires me to keep going.

Can you share what inspired the winning piece and tell us a bit about your process/what mediums you used?

Leopards are my spirit animal - I love how powerful they are. In this piece I tried to capture that energy and it serves as a personal reminder to be bold, fearless, and to pursue my creative goals. The image was created through a combination of traditional and digital techniques. I began by hand-painting and drawing the initial elements, then brought everything together in Photoshop to refine and finalise the piece. It’s a process that allows me to blend the tactile beauty of traditional mediums with the precision of digital tools.

Is there anything that you would like people to know about you and your work?

Drawing is the foundation of everything I create - it’s where every idea begins. For me, creating isn’t just about the finished piece; it’s a deeply spiritual practice and a daily ritual. Art connects me to something greater than myself, and I pour that energy into every piece I make.

Will this recognition influence the themes or direction of your future work?

Absolutely. This recognition has inspired me to dive deeper into the world of fashion illustration and to explore more collaborations with fashion brands. It’s a space I’ve always been passionate about, and this award has given me the confidence to pursue those opportunities with even greater determination.

What advice would you give to other artists hoping to achieve similar recognition?

Go for it and be brave! Believe in your work, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to take risks - whether that’s entering an award, sharing your portfolio, or reaching out to potential collaborators. Feel the fear and do it anyway as they say!

Is there someone or something you’d like to dedicate this achievement to?

I’d like to dedicate this achievement to my Nana, Bernadette. She always believed in me and supported my artistic dreams, from saving fashion magazines for me as a child to encouraging me to pursue my passions. Her unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration for me.

What’s next for you in your artistic journey?

I’m excited about several upcoming projects. I’ve been commissioned to create artwork for a sculpture for the Zoological Society of East Anglia, which is an incredible honour. Additionally, I’m working on a range of original paintings and a new collection of silk scarves. These projects represent the intersection of my love for art, nature, and fashion, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!