Writer, Illustrator, & Lyricist
Fe Duncan has worked as an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer for almost 40 years. She has spent a lifetime bringing other’s visions to life and has now, finally published her first, very own illustrated book.
With a BA in Fine Art from the University of Sunderland, and an MA in Illustration from Falmouth University, she continues to create content for local businesses and musicians.
She is also the lead vocalist and lyricist in acclaimed punk band Slalom D. She focuses a feminist lense on all her work, writing and illustration and is particularly interested in the female storytellers of folklore and horror.
Mother Marshall's Make-Believe Menagerie
"Mrs Marshall was my maternal grandmother and Miss Marshall was my mam and auntie's maiden name. I am however very fortunate to have grown-up surrounded by story tellers on both sides of my extremely creative and sometimes bizarre family.
"They knew I was an artist long before I realised it myself and I now have a lifetime of collecting and creating to draw upon. Who knew that the kid that spent their whole existence been at odds with 'not fitting in' would eventually be the singer in a fantastic band, writing lyrics for 3 albums, design the cover art and, to top it all off, fulfil their dream of being an author and illustrator? Not this kid!
"This book and hopefully my future books are a culmination of years of all those childhood stories coming together and the realisation that sometimes the 'baddie' of the tale just needed someone to hang out with. Maleficient had her crow, Elphaba had her monkeys and what witch would be without her black cat?
"And that's what comes from a lifetime of ghost stories, monster films, not fitting in and a later diagnosis of ADHD... a huge curiosity for all things weird, wonderful and wickedly womanly!
"Whatever happens next, I can tell from the fumes bubbling up from the cauldron, it will be absolutely delicious!"
Slalom D
In their own words on their Bandcamp, Slalom D are "rhythmic, catchy, with a contemporary political edge and a passionate lyrical stance that, true to its North-East roots, agitates and unsettles. Prepare for accessible discordance."
Fronted by Fe, and based in Sunderland, many of Slalom D's songs explore deep dives into untold and otherwise unheard lives and experiences of forgotten people from history - especially women - and delving into the gritty tales of folklore.
Listen to Fe Duncan on the ArtyParti podcast:
Fe Duncan shares the four-year long process behind releasing her first hand-illustrated book, which has now sold over 400 copies. But, says Fe, it's not about the figures; 'Mother Marshall's Make-Believe Menagerie' is so integral to her wellbeing, and represents a milestone in moving from designing for others to designing for herself.
Featuring music by the Sunderland-based punk band Slalom D - and the story behind the women bombers known as the 'Night Witches' who inspired the track '588'.