MEET THE ARTIST
ILDA
"I enjoy working in a constant search for balance and harmony."
mélanie dehez
ILDA
Painter and illustrator, BEGAAR (40)
Mélanie Dehez, alias ILDA, transports us into her sparkling and colorful world, and shares her artistic journey with us.
Tell us your story, how did you find your calling?
I have been drawing and painting since I was a little girl, like all children, but I never stopped. I hesitated for a long time between attending an Applied Arts school or a Sports university. Needing movement at that time, I obtained a degree in Sports Science before leaving to study physiotherapy in Brussels.
I practiced this profession for thirteen years before changing paths and launching myself exclusively as a painter.
The first lockdown was the trigger. I finally dared to show my paintings on social media, and the first commissions arrived quickly.
How would you describe your style and artistic approach in a few words?
I champion colorful, graphic, and soothing art, imbued with the place where I live. Colors and contrasts are at the heart of my work. I combine solid colors and simple shapes to create a dreamlike and poetic aesthetic. The recurring eye symbolizes many things, particularly kindness, curiosity, and free will. I enjoy working in a constant search for balance and harmony.
What are the themes or subjects that inspire you the most in your work?
I grew up in the Landes, where I currently live. I am strongly influenced by the nature that surrounds me and the music I listen to constantly.
How do you work?
I work in my studio in a small village in the countryside, in the heart of the Landes region. Acrylic paint is my medium of choice. I paint on paper, canvas, wood, walls, etc. I love diversifying materials and sizes. I can paint a small wooden brooch just as easily as a wall mural of several square meters. I offer some of my original works as fine art prints. Everything is printed by me in the studio in limited editions. Each reproduction is numbered and signed.
As for illustration, I work primarily digitally. I take commissions from individuals, professionals, and associations. I also collaborate with brands.
Do you have a specific technique or unique know-how? Without revealing all your secrets, have you developed your own methods and techniques?
As I am completely self-taught, I have indeed developed my own methods and techniques. And I continue and will continue to learn every day!
Tell us about your daily life, your constraints, your joys, your successes…
The freedom I have to work is essential. It is a great joy for me. I think it is inseparable from the creative process. Working next to my house saves me a considerable amount of time. I love diving in and spending hours on diverse and varied projects, whether in painting or digital media. To my surprise, the people who come to me trust me completely, and that is very stimulating.
The downside of this wonderful freedom is the irregularity of income, depending on the time of year and the projects. But that’s part of the game! After 4 years of business, I am starting to get used to it.
A message you would like to convey, or anything else you would like to share?
Contrary to what you see on social media, nothing happens with a snap of the fingers. Even today, I have lulls and phases where I have several projects to manage at the same time. You have to try to ride the wave by working consistently and showing what you do. Even if you don't think it's perfect, it's very important. That’s how it all started for me.
