Zoè Delautre Corral: A Decade of Artistic Brilliance
Ten years in the making, the Broken Frontier’s ‘Six to Watch’ brings us another gem: Zoè Delautre Corral. This UK-based French-Spanish artist is making waves with her evocative storytelling, most notably in her autobiographical comic, “April 17th.”
The Power of Unspoken Stories
“April 17th,” the first chapter of Delautre Corral’s self-published comic, has already garnered attention. It was longlisted for the First Graphic Novel Competition last year and received praise for its promise. The narrative isn’t just a personal exploration but a powerful tribute to the untold stories of the women in her family. Delautre Corral also delves into her identity, shaped by the tragic loss of her father to suicide.
Ink, Graphite, and Raw Emotion
At the heart of her work lies a deep love for ink and graphite, mediums through which Delautre Corral expresses her most intimate thoughts. Her comics find resonance in the supportive autobio comics community, where vulnerability meets artistry.
From Fine Art to Comics
Delautre Corral’s journey began in Spain, where she earned a degree in Fine Art. Her passion for drawing led her to London, where she pursued a Master’s degree at Kingston University. It was here that she found her true calling in comics, drawn to the medium’s ability to layer narratives and defy conventions.
The Allure of Comics
For Delautre Corral, comics are more than just stories; they are a platform for creativity without boundaries. “Building something that will inspire people’s imaginations” drives her work, and it shows in every panel she creates.
A Lifelong Love for Comics
Her passion for comics started young, with French comics like “Percevan” capturing her imagination. Later, her fascination grew with “Corto Maltese,” cementing her love for the medium.
A Deeply Personal Narrative
“April 17th” began in 2020, born from Delautre Corral’s diaries. It chronicles events from that date in 2017, exploring themes of guilt, shame, and fractured family relationships. The story is a heartfelt attempt to provide solace to readers who might find echoes of their own experiences within its pages.
The Challenges of Telling Her Story
Bringing her story to life hasn’t been easy. Delautre Corral admits that the process has been both empathetic and introspective. It’s a journey of self-discovery, where telling one’s story with compassion rather than judgment becomes paramount.
Breakthrough Moments
Being longlisted for the First Graphic Novel Competition was a transformative experience for Delautre Corral. It validated her work and motivated her to continue creating.
A Unique Artistic Style
Delautre Corral’s art stands out for its use of black ink and graphite, creating a nebulous and expressive quality. Her dreamlike pages are not just illustrations but memories brought to life, reflecting her approach of channeling emotions rather than relying on image references.
The Solitude of Creation
For Delautre Corral, creating art is a solitary process. She guards her creative space, viewing it as a secret gradually revealed to the world. This need for privacy is a protective measure, allowing her to focus on her work without external judgment.
Building Connections in the Comics Community
As an emerging voice in UK comics, Delautre Corral values her interactions with the wider comics community. These connections are crucial for her growth, offering a sense of belonging and support.
The Thriving Indie Scene
Delautre Corral is full of praise for the UK indie comics scene. The opportunities, competitions, and support for artists are, in her words, a “lifeline” for creators like herself.
Exploring Grief and Mortality
Looking ahead, Delautre Corral plans to delve deeper into themes of grief and mortality. Her next project will continue her exploration of these profound topics, with ink as her chosen medium. She’s already knee-deep in the second chapter of “April 17th,” promising more of her evocative storytelling.
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