What pivotal moments or experiences led you to become the artist you are today, and how do these experiences inform your artistic expression?

As far as I remember, creating art was part of my life. I was always drawing, sketching, and painting. This kind of routine was tremendously supportive; my creations helped deepen my thinking and express my ups and downs. They were a tool for healing and conveying my dreams. But I never thought about it in terms of art or thought of myself as an “artist.” It was just there, part of my days…

Then, during my first stay in Paris, my steps crossed the path of a sculptor who discovered my almost hidden, at least, private passion and seemed delighted by my experimentation. He pushed me to pursue this field more persistently, opening my work to others. I already had encouraging reactions from my surroundings during my travels. Still, that very first encounter with a great artist and his support was a revelation, the best opening to my career as an artist. From there, on top of the inspiration and “letting go” in the elaboration of each piece, my artistic journey gained a second layer of creativity, adding a conceptual reflection and a zoom-out vision of the whole process.

Could you elaborate on specific aspects of your European heritage that have shaped your artistic style and perspective? How does this influence manifest in your work, both visually and conceptually?

It's all about telling a story; this is where it starts. I have always been fascinated by Europe's culture and architecture, structural shapes, elegant curves, and many styles through the epochs, reflecting the identity of each land. I learned so much from observing and analyzing. Surrounding myself with this natural and historical beauty inspired me to share and express my feelings on canvas, driven by the hunger for more discovery.

Your work often navigates the delicate balance between intimacy and vulnerability. Could you discuss your process for creating this tension and the emotional impact you hope to evoke in the viewer?

The balance is the key, yin, and yang, light and darkness. And… if the darkness was just an illusion… if the balance was always there… life, after all, always remains, life always wins. And... If it was not even a battle… if the balance, so fragile as it looks, was as strong as all the energies… It is a way to look at things.

The moment you search for solutions is when your mind has the answers. I must capture and reflect and do it in every single painting.

The organic vibe of the geometric works and structural and geometric compositions of the organic works. All in one.

Nature seems to have a significant influence on your art. Can you tell us about a work that embodies this influence?

A painting named “Dialogue” incorporates the elements of nature, the vegetal, and the animal, and this simple group of flowers on the grass offers us an allegorical vision of humans in their fragility and complexity of the relations between individuals.

For some reason, revealing this painting through my brush brought a lot of emotion to me. Those fragile snowdrops seemed to be in an intense conversation, their stature inviting our eyes to go from one to the other, begging us to listen to their whispers. I wish I could understand their complaint, but someone does…

Your works prominently feature the use of white. Could you elaborate on the symbolic significance of this color in your paintings?

I like to leave white spaces in my paintings for my viewers, to let them visualize and imagine… The contrast between the light parts and the dark elements shapes the subject and invites reflection. The white color has many meanings in my art. Sometimes, it signifies a mystery and the unknown, which can be scary but fascinating! At times, the white focuses on the pure aspects of our life that are often forgotten, and maybe the most important, since we all came into this world by being very pure. I believe the white color can clear and calm your mind and prepare you for new beginnings. Without dreams, there is no passion; without passion, there is no life.

Your use of geometric shapes creates a dynamic tension between structure and fluidity. Could you discuss your intention behind incorporating these elements and how they interact with the more organic forms in your work?

Although both styles seem different, they complement each other and speak in their combination about the organic world, on one side, versus the vision we humans have about it and the relentlessness we have to control it and rebuild it. But should we remember that whatever we do, whatever we try to do, our actions are somehow the fruit of nature? And if our actions someday slip too much, nature knows how to take back its rights.

Could you discuss the genesis of 'Silent Face'? What conceptual and visual inspirations informed the creation of this particular piece?

The inspiration for this painting was, in fact…musical. I was listening to the beautiful Cat Stevens song “My Lady d’Arbanville” and suddenly became very emotional. The brush told me where to draw. The “silent face” reveals itself on the canvas beside my eyes. Is it a silent or a silenced face? Those leaves falling, close to dying… silenced forever. The resignation, hopeless. Will she ever be reborn?

Looking back at your body of work, is there a particular project representing a significant turning point in your artistic development? How did that experience shape your subsequent work?

My artistic journey is a progression of moments that appear to me on the go. Each new encounter, each new inspiration, drives me to new creations and opens me to discover new horizons. The turning point for me was the first time I held a pencil.

Art and artists play various roles in the fabric of contemporary society. How does your artistic practice contribute to your understanding of yourself and the world?

Art is like a psychoanalyst: the emergence of desires, the convergence of pulsions, the melting pot of thinking of ideas. Is there a meaning, an order to find in this chaos? Is life just a giant puzzle?

What message or call to action would you like to share with our readers?

Whatever adversity you face, keep trying to reach your goals, keep polishing your skills, and, mainly, as Oscar Wilde said, “ be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

Find more about the artist here.

Cover image:

Passion by Snow Dollkinson. Image courtesy of Snow Dollkinson.