Welcome to an inspiring journey into the vibrant world of art and creativity with Isaure, a French artist whose passion for life radiates through her colourful and captivating creations. In this exclusive interview with House of Coco magazine, Isaure shares her remarkable story of artistic evolution, from humble beginnings to international acclaim.
Prepare to be enchanted as we delve into her unique vision, diverse influences, and unwavering commitment to spreading joy and positivity through her art. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the boundless possibilities of self-expression and the transformative power of creativity.
Step in to the world of Isaure, where every stroke of the brush is a celebration of life, love, and the beauty of the human…
Isaure, could you introduce yourself to us and share who you are and what you do?
My name is Isaure, and I’m French, originally from Brittany but mainly from Paris! I’m 30 years old and married to my childhood sweetheart. We have a little girl and soon a new addition to the family, due next July. Currently, I split my time between France and Canada, residing in Montreal for almost 13 years now. Balancing my professional and personal life, I find joy in immersing myself in the blend of two cultures, both different and yet similar. This duality greatly enriches my work.
Speaking of work, I am an artist-painter. I unintentionally founded Isaure Atelier in 2020. Today, I manage two companies: one focusing on custom artistic projects, and the other, in collaboration with my partner Benjamin, primarily producing silk scarves featuring my artworks.
Can you tell us more about Isaure Atelier, the mediums you use to express your art, and your different business models?
Isaure Atelier is primarily my platform for artistic expression through painting, whether it be on canvas with acrylics or graphic painting on my iPad. By constantly creating, I’ve encountered various opportunities, both in terms of mediums I use and in commercialising my art.
Currently, my activities are divided into three parts or business models:
- Collaborating with brands to create custom designs such as murals, pop-ups, special capsules, and prints.
- Working with individuals and luxury resorts to produce unique custom paintings and/or custom scarves.
- Partnering with luxury department stores to sell my silk scarves. Eight of my creations are currently exhibited and sold as silk scarves at La Samaritaine (LVMH) in Paris. Additionally, my scarves are available for purchase on my website (www.isaureatelier.com).
Why was it important for you to explore various mediums, and how did the idea of combining art and fashion through scarves come about?
I find it crucial to explore multiple artistic mediums to avoid redundancy and monotony. I’m deeply passionate about my work and aim to sustain this passion for as long as possible. Therefore, I believe in the importance of diversification and adaptation to challenges, as they foster artistic growth.
As for the scarves, the idea originated from my sister Marguerite, a budding stylist at the time. She suggested printing my artworks on fabric, which intrigued me. However, I wanted to explore a medium beyond conventional framing. With my love for fashion in mind, I opted for silk scarves. The idea of people wearing my artwork, albeit in limited quantities, through a timeless accessory like silk scarves, fascinated me. Moreover, the sensual and soft nature of silk resonated with my artistic vision, enhancing the allure of my creations.
Could you share your journey of discovering your unique artistic style, especially your exploration of shapes and colours?
My artistic journey began in childhood, influenced by my grandmother, a painter and ceramist. I initially gravitated towards vibrant, rounded shapes in my paintings, often depicting flowers, architecture, and objects. During adolescence, my passion for drawing slender women emerged, inspired by fashion design sketches.
A pivotal moment in shaping my style occurred when I encountered sculptures of round women during a trip with my father. Their joyous aura resonated with me, prompting me to incorporate rounded figures into my artwork. Over time, I developed two distinct painting styles: one concrete, featuring easily recognisable shapes, and the other abstract, characterised by intertwined and overlapping women rendered through fluid lines. My artistic process involves infusing rhythm into my paintings by blending curves, evoking sensuality and vitality.
Regarding colour, my zest for life and love for vibrant aesthetics naturally translate into my choice of palette. I aim to create artworks that exude positivity and joy, reflecting my personality and worldview.
Your work often celebrates diversity and challenges traditional notions of beauty. What inspired you to embrace these elements in your art?
Central to my artistic approach are three elements: women, rounded shapes, and colorful environments. Through my creations, I strive to evoke joy, happiness, and positivity, resonating with viewers on a personal level. Rounded shapes symbolize comfort and warmth, juxtaposed against societal ideals of strictness and formality. Women, for me, embody strength, beauty, and the essence of existence. Placed within vibrant, joyful settings, they serve as focal points, radiating energy and vitality.
How do you believe art can empower individuals and inspire them, particularly in challenging conventional beauty standards?
Art serves as a medium for emotional expression, evoking varied responses and interpretations. While subjective, beauty and joy hold universal appeal, transcending cultural and societal boundaries. Art has the power to redefine beauty, challenging preconceived notions and fostering inclusivity. For instance, my portrayal of rounded women celebrates their inherent beauty, countering societal stigma surrounding body image. Through art, individuals can find solace, validation, and empowerment, reclaiming their narratives and embracing self-acceptance.
Your creations convey a profound love for life. How does your passion for life manifest in the energy and emotions captured in your artwork?
I come from a large family, rather inclined towards joy and positivity thanks to the nurturing upbringing by my parents. They always encouraged us to love ourselves, to be proud of who we are, to accept ourselves as we are, and thus indirectly fostered our creative side. They are also like that towards us; my parents are not attached to perfection. And that, I think, makes us deeply happy. I believe that the very essence of who I am, where I am going, and what I do, hence what I paint, comes from there! It’s difficult to explain how it translates, there is no specific technique or rule; I would say it happens very naturally.
Many of your characters are relatable and endearing. What qualities or narratives do you intentionally imbue into your characters to foster a personal connection with your audience?
In my artworks, my characters revel in life’s simple pleasures, unburdened by societal expectations or judgments. They embody authenticity and resilience, inspiring viewers to embrace their individuality and find joy in everyday moments. By depicting characters free from societal constraints, I aim to cultivate a sense of empowerment and self-acceptance among my audience. Through relatable narratives and authentic portrayals, my artwork serves as a mirror, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
In a world preoccupied with certain beauty standards, your art celebrates diversity and self-acceptance. What message do you hope your audience takes away regarding body positivity and self-love?
At its core, my art advocates for self-love and acceptance, irrespective of societal norms or standards. By celebrating diversity and embracing rounded figures, I seek to challenge conventional beauty ideals and promote inclusivity. Through my artwork, I aspire to instill a sense of empowerment and confidence in individuals, encouraging them to embrace their unique attributes and celebrate their bodies. Ultimately, I hope to inspire a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and appreciation of diverse beauty standards, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Colours play a significant role in your work. How do you approach colour selection, and what emotions or moods do you aim to evoke through your choice of palette?
Ah, colors! Each creation, the choice of colors is a real mess! You know, the more choices we have, the less choice we have haha! Sometimes we wish for limitations so that our choices would be simpler, but with colors, it’s impossible: there are plenty of them, and it’s up to me to find the best possible combinations! So I try, I fail, I start over, sometimes 5 times, sometimes 10 times, sometimes 50 times! And I sleep on it, for several days until I look at my work and say to myself: wow, there it is! We got it. I love it when my clients challenge me on colors; I do a lot of custom pieces, so sometimes they impose color combinations on me that I wouldn’t have thought of, and they turn out wonderfully.
Your distinctive style sets you apart in the art world. What advice do you have for emerging artists seeking to carve out their voice and visual language?
Not hesitating to inquire, educate oneself, travel, observe, and become familiar with various styles, elements, artists, etc. And not just through art: it can be through music, cinema, exhibitions, encounters, etc. In fact, one must cultivate curiosity and encourage discovery. That’s how we stimulate our senses.
Your work radiates positivity and joy. How do you maintain optimism and enthusiasm in your creative process, especially during challenging times?
By always finding pleasure in working and creating a piece of art. Even when there are obstacles, I’m fortunate to be able to work on various types of projects: scarves, artworks for individuals, collaborations with brands. In fact, when I reach a point where the joy of creating diminishes, I take a break and switch to another project before returning to it. I try to vary my days, not having a copy-and-paste routine from one day to another, except for waking up early; I love starting my workday early.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience in your artistic journey that shaped your perspective and direction as an artist?
A transformative moment in my artistic journey occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I found myself pregnant with my first child. Amidst confinement and uncertainty, I turned to art as a form of solace and self-expression. Starting with a single canvas inspired by David Hockney’s work, I embarked on a journey of creative exploration that ultimately led to the founding of Isaure Atelier. This pivotal experience not only shaped my artistic direction but also reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of art, even in the most challenging of times.
Collaboration often sparks creativity. Are there any artists or creators you dream of collaborating with in the future, and why?
I’m drawn to collaborators who share a passion for innovation and daring creativity. From fashion designers to chefs and cultural influencers, I aspire to collaborate with individuals and brands that push boundaries and challenge conventions. Among my dream collaborators are Charaf Tajer of “Casablanca,” chef Jean Imbert, JJ Martin of “La DoubleJ,” Blanca Miro and Maria de la Orden of “La Veste,” and iconic brands like Gucci, Lacoste, and Adidas Originals. Each of these collaborators embodies a spirit of boldness and creativity that aligns with my artistic vision, inspiring collaboration that transcends traditional boundaries and fosters innovation.
How do you envision the art world becoming more inclusive and supportive of emerging talents, especially those who challenge conventional norms?
There are already plenty of initiatives in place to discover and support new talents, but I believe that those who have the power to showcase talents and their beautiful messages are precisely those who have the power and the resources to do so: brands, cultural ministries, personalities, and all those who have influence. We rely heavily on them to trust us and propel us forward.
Beyond visual art, do you draw inspiration from other forms of expression such as literature, music, or cinema? How do these influences manifest in your creations?
Absolutely! I draw inspiration from various forms of expression, including literature, music, cinema, and everyday experiences. Each of these influences informs my creative process, enriching my artwork with diverse narratives and perspectives. Whether it’s the lyricism of a novel, the melody of a song, or the visual storytelling of a film, I find inspiration in the beauty and complexity of the human experience. These influences manifest in my creations through nuanced themes, vibrant imagery, and emotive storytelling, creating artworks that resonate on multiple levels with viewers.
Your art transcends cultural boundaries, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. How do you approach cultural diversity in your work, and what role do you see art playing in promoting cultural exchange?
Living in Montreal, a melting pot of cultures, has profoundly influenced my perspective on cultural diversity. I view cultural diversity as a source of inspiration and enrichment, weaving elements of different cultures into my artwork to create a tapestry of shared experiences and perspectives.
Through art, I aim to bridge cultural divides, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diverse traditions and identities. Art serves as a universal language that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, promoting dialogue and exchange on a global scale. By celebrating cultural diversity in my work, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and interconnected world, where mutual respect and appreciation form the foundation of cultural exchange.
Your creations are imbued with a sense of playfulness. How do you balance the joy of creation with the discipline required to navigate the professional world?
I think the professional world quickly becomes bored and needs freshness, fun, uniqueness, and exploration of uncharted paths! This is why I increasingly work with luxury brands, which have quickly understood that they must constantly reinvent themselves to endure and continue to surprise their clients, who have often seen and experienced everything. We can see this with all the collaborations happening and how pop and street culture have imposed themselves in fashion, for example. Louis Vuitton is the best example of this.
The professional world needs this, to surround itself with people who can create without limits, and thus be surprised by creativity and art!
As a vibrant and passionate artist, what legacy do you hope to leave through your art, and what impact do you aspire to make on the world?
Through my art, I aspire to leave a legacy of joy, positivity, and inspiration. I believe that art has the power to transform lives, uplift spirits, and foster connection and understanding. My greatest hope is that my artwork resonates with viewers on a deeply personal level, eliciting emotions and sparking conversations that transcend cultural and societal boundaries. Ultimately, I aim to leave behind a legacy of love and creativity, enriching the world with beauty, optimism, and hope.
Our readers love to travel. What destination is at the top of your bucket list?
Choosing a single destination from my bucket list is challenging, as I’m drawn to the beauty and diversity of cultures around the world. However, if I had to choose, Senegal has been calling out to me for some time. The rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Senegal hold a special allure, promising an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.
Where can people follow you and find out more about your work?
You can follow my artistic journey on Instagram @isaure_atelier, where I share updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and upcoming projects. Additionally, you can visit my website www.isaureatelier.com to explore my portfolio, shop for artworks and scarves, and learn more about upcoming events and collaborations. For inquiries and collaborations, feel free to reach out to me via email. Looking forward to connecting with you all soon!
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