Oréli Interview
Posted by shut on 30.05.2008, 06:19 | Last update: 31.05.2008, 19:30
"Fairytales, cartoons, nice monsters, magicians, witches, talking animals... they all fascinate me!"
28 year old female artist Oréli from Bruxelles, Belgium discusses her stylized and colourful images of animals and nature along wth her other fascinating creations.
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Hi Oréli! thanks for talking to Shut...
firstly, where did you study?
I did two years at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, then five years at LA CAMBRE, studying silk-screen printing and the graphic arts.
What materials do you use to put the images together?
I use my imagination primarily as my raw material, then I draw using the graphics resources in FLASH… I don't plan anything and don't use a sketchbook, what I do is quite spontaneous, it is total improvisation… then, I use silk-screen printing as a means for printing as it provides a wide choice of colours, and a certain kudos compared to traditional printing.
You do a lot of work involving toys and teddy bears and you've even created some of your own plush toys… Is this because you're still quite attached to your childhood?
I am not attached in particular to my childhood, but to childhood in general!
Fairytales, cartoons, nice monsters, magicians, witches, talking animals... they all fascinate me!
I consider myself to be more a children's rather than an adult book illustrator, even if my images can be appreciated by both!
It is true that 4 years ago, I was very much drawn to needlework, I'd produce a piece of work a day, I had a great time making them, I completely improvised and that produced some strange hybrids!
What was your childhood like and did it spawn such a vivid imagination?
I had a perfectly traditional childhood, nothing extravagant, nothing stupid! I owe my imagination to the imagery of American comics I read as a teenager, then when I was at La Cambre, I developed a strong interest in monsters (and their) myths, then, after my son was born, I started to buy lots of children's books, for him as well as for me, and all of this imagery has greatly influenced me!
...On the other hand, some of your work is quite dark (e.g. the bleeding hearts and organs) is this a reflection of another part of your personality?
Sometimes I need to get away from the traditional themes that flow through the illustrations aimed at children, and to tackle darker themes, which allows me to reach another audience. It all depends on my mood… again, I cannot explain this change of themes, it is not thought out; I am very spontaneous!
Describe the thought and work that goes into the concept of an average piece of your work?
I don't think when I create an image. I draw, I listen to my imagination, it is all very instinctive, I am very demanding in terms of results, I go for aesthetic effect, composition, balance in the image… I can spend up to a week on an image or as little as a day; it all depends on how inspired I feel!
Is this what what you always wanted to be doing in life?
YES, I've loved drawing, making things, painting, ever since I was 4 years old ….I knew from a very early age, without a doubt, that I wanted to go to Art College.
What do you do in your spare time?
I rarely have any free time, I work during the week and I look after my son at the weekend. When I have the time, I love to buy books and to do the rounds of Brussels bookshops. Other than that, I love exploring second-hand shops and markets to pick up unusual things...
What are your likes and dislikes?
I adore the artist Misaki Kawaï whose imagery is very naïve but completely zany!
I also admire the work of artists such as Ben Newman and Nate Williams whose style of imagery is very 'retro'…
But I can't stand "clean" and "over-polished" imagery such as that of Marc Riden and new wave illustrators, but I accept that technically it is nevertheless admirable!
Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
I think my dream must be the same as any artist… I hope for some recognition for my work. I'm not asking for fame or wealth, but I'd like to be able to make a living from my creations!
To see more of oréli's work visit www.oreli.be