Talia Blank is a multimedia artist and filmmaker whose work explores the human condition and the self. Born in Switzerland to South African parents and raised in Australia, she began questioning the meaning of identity from an early age. Her art combines text, narrative, acrylic, oil pastel, oil paint, animation and mixed media film to create raw, conceptually rich pieces. Working under the pseudonym “@FichnRamous," her creations resonate with humor, philosophical depth and honesty, always inviting audiences to make sense of the world around them.

Hey Talia, thanks for joining us! How's everything going with you lately?

Hi Ait Team. Thank you for having me. Life has surely been life-ing. Thankfully, all is well personally. Hoping to have a year of more world peace and unity.

What’s your usual morning routine? Anything you do to get in the right headspace for the day?

There really is a certain magic to the morning right? I mean, we are moving straight from the abstract dream world to waking reality. The moment I wake up, I say thank you for my life and body. Sometimes I add in a wish or an intention. I’ve been doing that ritual since the beginning of 2021, and it really has helped shift my mindset. Then, I usually go for a run or neighbourhood gallivant. This really helps me start the day centred.

“I, Talia”

We’d love to see where you create! Could you share a photo of your workspace or a spot where you feel most inspired?

I move around a lot, so the most accurate studio would be my sketchbook. In regards to inspiration, daily life truly keeps me in constant awe. My partner once told me that it’s like I experience every day for the first time. Here is a photo of my desk..

Get a closer look at Talia's workspace here.

Your art seems to dance between playfulness and self-reflection. Do you ever feel like one of those sides pulls stronger, or is balance the key to your creativity?

I suppose they are in a marriage. I couldn’t be as self-reflective if I took myself too seriously. And even in times of play, my consciousness or wherever reflections come from, seem to always want to find the meaning beyond the surface. My art practice is completely guided by intuition. And in order to access that state, I have to be open to information - which means leaving any foolish or restrictive thoughts at the door.

(Left) Sorry We're Late, (2021). Colored pencil on paper, 21 x 28.6 cm

(Middle) God Is A Private School Girl, (2021). Oil stick on paper 45.7 x 61 cm

(Right) "You're Manly Liel?" "The Actor?" "No, Mentally Ill", (2021). Colored pencil on paper, 22.9 x 30.5 cm

Do you ever feel like certain mediums push you into different mental spaces? Like, does painting bring out one side of you and filmmaking another?

Absolutely. That’s a really good question! Filmmaking has an extra layer of precision and planning. I am both the artist, director and editing crew, balancing flowstate with quite a strategic and technical lens. Whereas painting, I am at the complete mercy of my emotions. There is no hiding, which is why my artworks are quite vulnerable.

“You Deserve Better” / Client: MUD\WTR

When you're not making art, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I really love to walk, dance, read, have interactions with strangers and spend time with my loved ones. My friends know that we’ll usually find ourselves on some couch, lost (or found) in conversation, entirely detached from time and space.

Your pseudonym “Fich n Ramous” feels like a cheeky nod to the art world’s obsession with money. How do you personally navigate the balance between creating for yourself and the pressures of commercial success?

I’ve really been exploring this in the past few years. Since art is such an essential mode of expression for me, I discovered that relying on it as my sole income commodified, without being too dramatic, my air supply. Art is my space where I am guided by my intuition and the divine, so having a commercial framework in the back of my mind disrupts that process. Fortunately, I love to create in many fields. I run an independent creative studio where I create narrated videos, branding and bespoke storytelling for brands and businesses. This then allows me to paint from my soul and sell when I am truly ready to part with my work.

Your 'Forgive Me, Father' series has such a raw and honest vibe. What inspired you to create this body of work?

I was nomadic and challenging every foundation of my identity. I called this process, “Dating my Ego” — as I was trying to look at my mind and its shadows with love. I had learned to meditate and was able to start viewing my life and habits from my higher-self/soul/consciousness. I finally understood the core of my art practice - which is to be honest, vulnerable and essentially a space where others can feel seen and less alone.

You often incorporate text in your art. If you had to sum up your inner world in a single sentence, what would it say?

Never a dull moment.

Let’s say you wake up tomorrow and the world is suddenly silent - no words, no sounds, just visuals. How do you think your art would evolve in this new reality?

That’s a really cool question. I suppose I would speak more through texture. My art would play with scale – either super small or giant. I could create melodies with repetition and brush marks. Now I’m getting ideas…

Bed And Breakfast, (2021). Oil, oil pastel, acrylic on canvas, 182.8 x 243.8 cm

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us, Talia! Before we wrap up, is there anything exciting you’re working on that you’re really excited to share?

Thanks so much for your thoughtful questions. I’m working on a new collection so keep your eyes open :)