INTERVIEW W BOBBY CLARK
Some conversations feel like a warm embrace—honest, open, and full of the kind of wisdom that lingers with you long after. Sitting down with artist Bobby Clark for this Foile Journal was exactly that.
Bobby’s reflections on beauty, self-worth, and the raw, transformative journey of motherhood are nothing short of inspiring. From learning to see herself through the eyes of her children to embracing the unique features that make us who we are, her words are a reminder that beauty isn’t something to chase—it’s something we already hold within us.
In this interview, Bobby shares the rituals that ground her, the skincare that keeps her glowing, and the power of leaning into life’s seasons with grace. It’s the kind of read that makes you want to pour a cup of tea, run a bath, and embrace yourself a little more gently.
"Having a baby makes you think about how powerful thoughts and words are. It forces you to look at yourself through your children's eyes and that was a real turning point for me."
"I could never leave the house without makeup. Now I never leave the house without skincare. I no longer hide behind a mask and feel comfortable entirely as myself. "
What was a moment that changed your perception of beauty?
When I was pregnant with my first son, James. Seeing my body change and grow a person really reframed how I saw and spoke to myself internally. I was so mean to myself for so long. I don’t think I had ever said kind words to my own reflection. Having a baby makes you think about how powerful thoughts and words are. It forces you to look at yourself through your children's eyes and that was a real turning point for me. I could never leave the house without makeup. Now I never leave the house without skincare. I no longer hide behind a mask and feel comfortable entirely as myself.
What is your number one beauty product?
Either mascara or a good natural oil. These days my beautiful routine is very simple. I always have oil on my face and if I want to feel fresh I throw on a bit of mascara. I don’t really wear make up anymore. If I put it on I don’t feel like myself and always end up washing it off before I leave the house.
"beauty is confidence and happiness. I felt the most beautiful in both my pregnancies and I think that relates to inner peace in a way."
What skincare product or practice do you come back to if your skin is unbalanced?
I strip back to basics and go extremely minimal if my skin feels like it needs extra love. I use my coffee grinds to exfoliate with jojoba oil or a gentle cleanser then limit all my skin care and serums and focus only on hydrating the skin with Foile jojoba or a barrier cream that has zinc oxide in it. I also love saunas and LED light therapy for the skin too. I might go do a session today. My skin LOVES LED.
Who is a muse for you when it comes to beauty?
Oh that's a good question! I love Penelope Cruz, Natalie Portman and Sophia Loren. They are so naturally, painfully beautiful. I always love the photos of them paired back, fresh faced in the sun, especially when they are photographed with their children. I always think pregnant women are stunning. It’s a really sacred time and they always have this inner glow.
"I always think pregnant women are stunning. It’s a really sacred time and they always have this inner glow."
How does beauty feel to you?
Mmmm. I think beauty is confidence and happiness. I felt the most beautiful in both my pregnancies and I think that relates to inner peace in a way. When I look back at old photos of myself when I was younger I see so much beauty in me but at the time I was so sad and definitely never felt beautiful so I think it entirely depends on how you feel on the inside. It makes me sad how long I wasted feeling unworthy. I also think that unique features are stunning. Gaps in teeth, freckles, scars. In a world where everyone is becoming one with body modifications it’s really striking to be individual and I love when people are confident enough in themselves to champion that and lean into the little things that make them different. I’ve always hated my nose but I could never change it because it’s my dads and it’s what makes me me.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Just now I am in baby land so it’s completely dependent on how the day flows. I am free-lance so am currently working with a 6 month old baby which can be impossible some days. I am really trying to lean in and just do what I can. Yesterday was a shit show. Today it’s flowing. My non-negotiable is my morning shower. I refuse to give that up. I don’t feel alive without it and always finish with cold water, sometimes I only have a cold shower. I’m currently trying to figure out how to maintain a creative practice and a work flow with a baby so I’m very lucky I can pick and choose how the day will go because I work for myself. Today I have baked a lot, worked in bursts when my baby Jonty sleeps and later will go and have some LED because you’ve reminded me to take care of myself.
What is one grounding ritual that always brings you back to yourself?
A bath. Always. Or any body of water.
What is your current skincare routine?
It’s very very simple. Night time - good oil cleanse removed with a soft cotton face cloth then a good serum and jojoba or another nourishing face oil. When I need it I’ll exfoliate with coffee grinds or a clay mask. Morning - I rinse my face and apply my skincare which is usually Vitamin C serum then a rich day cream and the Foile Jojoba oil. I soak my face in it. She’s thirsty. These days I go completely make up free but if I need a little boost I’ll use my collab #9 Fluff lip and cheek tint.
Share a moment when your skin felt it’s most radiant, what do you feel contributed to this?
Probably right now. A combination of good baby hormones, good home made food, minimal additives and great skin care. I mean my skin was probably peaking at 18 after a holiday but I like it the most just now. That end of summer, healthy living, new mum hormone glow. I doubt I’ll be saying this when Melbourne autumn hits.
