Artist Studio #2

When you step into Mireille Derbré's studio, you are greeted with a warm smile that instantly puts you at ease, making you feel as though you have entered a creative sanctuary. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, vibrating with which anyone who appreciates art will resonate with. The walls, painted in soft colours, complement the vibrant paintings displayed around the room. These paintings are brim with colours that evoke emotion and inspire thought. Each brushstroke tells a story, inviting you to delve into the depths of Mireille’s artistic vision. It's a space where ideas come to life, nurtured by the ambience that Mireille has cultivated through her dedication and passion for art over the years. Every corner showcases her commitment and spirit, reflecting her identity as an artist.

Within the studio, you will discover a variety of photographs, each vividly reflecting a childhood and family memory and revealing the essence of who Mireille is. These visually captivating pieces are more than just images; they encapsulate the laughter and unforgettable moments that have shaped her journey. There is also a carefully curated selection of intriguing objects, each with its own story waiting to be discovered. Old and new drawings adorn the walls, rich with narratives spanning a lifetime. They invite you to delve into the vibrant tapestry of her experiences, creativity and imagination. Each piece serves as a portal to her past, inspiring new creativity and encouraging you to tap into your own stories. The entire environment invites you to engage with the emotions and inspirations behind the artworks, enabling a deeper connection with Mireille’s work and your own artistic aspirations.

Interview with Mireille Derbré

16mag: Bonjour Mireille, it's a real pleasure to be here with you in Biarritz today. Thank you for having us. How long have you been living in this city? What brought you here?

Bonjour 16mag (big smiles), It’s great to welcome you to my studio and share the charm of this lovely city with you. I have lived in Biarritz for 15 fulfilling years now, having moved here in 2011. It was a significant change and a turning point in my life. My late husband Gabriel and I chose it mainly for its breathtaking location and the contrasting yet different lifestyle it provides. What truly drew me to this place were the vast ocean views. I also spent countless joyful and adventurous childhood holidays here with my maternal grandparents, where I first learned to swim and especially discovered my passion for watercolour painting. This passion has remained a constant source of inspiration throughout my life.

16mag: How long have you been working at this studio? Have you received any professional training? If so, which art schools did you attend?

I have been working at this studio since 2011, which has allowed me to dedicate all my time and energy to the joys of painting in acrylics, oils and watercolours. As I always say, 'Je mange tout' - I eat everything ⌈laughs⌉; and I strive to explore and master as many artistic techniques as possible. My involvement in the arts began when I was a child. My father was a passionate sculptor and foundryman who introduced me to the fascinating world of art from an early age. I further developed my skills by attending the École Supérieure d’Art et de Technique in Boulogne-Billancourt, in the suburbs of Paris. It was there that my artistic journey truly flourished.

16mag: Could you tell us about yourself and the kind of art you create?

I consider myself an artist colourist who perceives the world through colours and pigments. As Matisse famously said, 'I create what is seen'. When discussing my paintings, I feel it is important to tell their stories. This gives the impression that I'm part of the Impressionist and figurative traditions. My work is often infused with deep emotion, reflecting my life experiences, memories and the vibrant essence of my surroundings.

16mag: When did you start painting? What stage of your life were you at when you started?

I really got into painting when I started a new chapter in my life in 1995. I was able to express what was going on in my mind without any inhibitions through the tip of a brush or a pencil. I also discovered the great pleasure of working from live models when painting portraits or nudes of men and women.

I embarked on my painting journey at a young age, finding solace and joy in the creative process. Each stroke on the canvas became an expression of my thoughts and feelings, helping me to navigate the various stages of my life. Every piece tells its own unique story, and I cherish the opportunity to share my art and my journey with others. Painting is not just about creating; it's also about connecting with and inspiring others through the power of colour and imagination.

16mag: What inspires you?

What inspires me: It’s the emotions I experience during particular moments in life or when I look at a stunning landscape. In fact, through my sketches, I often realise that these are profound moments of pleasure, such as sharing delicious crêpes with a dear friend or exploring the magnificent aquarium in Biarritz with a child who is just as amazed as I am. Seeing the wonder in their eyes mirrors my own sense of awe. It is in these fleeting, joyous moments that I find the seeds of my creativity. I then throw myself into watercolour painting to express all of that, transforming my heartfelt experiences into art that resonates with others. Each brushstroke captures those moments, enabling me to relive the joy and share it with the world.

16mag: Could you tell us a bit about your experience as an artist and how it has shaped you?

My experience as an artist has profoundly shaped on my whole life. It encompasses not only how I see the world, but also my relationships with others. Saying it has impacted me would be an understatement. It's about meeting new people and the countless things that happen and forge connections driven by the feelings we share. It's difficult to express in words, but you can truly feel it if you take a moment to pause and reflect. Beyond my interactions, there’s my network and the atmosphere I create. Everything around me exudes who I am at my core, from the people I encounter to the living space I inhabit. I’m immersed in every aspect of that creative environment every day. I add a soft, gentle light and create vibrant scenes in the house and studio that come from the heart above all else. This interaction with my surroundings continually inspires and shapes my artistic journey.

16mag: Which artists inspire you? and what are you working on at the moment?

Edward Hopper inspires me with his melancholy, solitary and silent atmospheres, and Van Gogh inspires me with his brushstrokes and his ability to capture the moment. I remember seeing van Gogh’s painting up close in New York and being able to really see the brushstrokes in the oil paint – it was very moving – and finding myself drawn to his style.

I’ve recently picked up a painting entitled Santorini, which I’d put aside due to a lack of time and emotional energy. I’ve now found another form of expression that suits me well: starting with an acrylic canvas, I rework it with oil pastels. This allows me to express myself quickly through lines, whilst simultaneously touching the canvas, shaping the colour, and sculpting with oil pastels using my fingers.

16mag: Could we have a look at any sketchbooks or preliminary works you have?

Yes, of course! I did lots of sketches and watercolours, which I then combined with drawings. I’m always ready to get started, as I keep my paints, brushes and two glasses of water laid out on a table, whether I’m out and about or at home, even in front of the TV. I also have some early pastel paintings on wood depicting scenes from the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, as well as some paintings with live models.

16mag: What does your year look like? Do you have any exhibitions planned? What are your goals as an artist?

My year is still full with creativity, and I have several exciting projects in progress. I have an exhibition planned in New York, US in June, which is always fantastic! The city's vibrant art scene is a constant source of inspiration for my work. At the same time, I am in a country where I would love to be recognised for my contributions to the art world. This country is especially significant to me because my daughter and her family live here too, which creates a personal connection for me. Being here brings me closer to them and enables me to grow, both emotionally and artistically. Drawing upon the experiences and relationships around me, this geographical context fuels my creativity. I will also be hosting an open studio event in the first week of July. This will give people the opportunity to engage with my art in person and on a more personal level. I am looking forward to sharing my creative process and the inspiration behind my work with visitors, and starting a dialogue about my art.

As an artist, my goal is to persevere with what I love and to continue pursuing what I am passionate about. What you see in my work is an explosion of colour, an explosion of life! As I mentioned, I admire what Hopper does, which is much more understated in terms of colour. I experience something similar through my own work, but with an explosion of colour every time. I enjoy experimenting with contrasts, or at least exploring them. Then, of course, suddenly, one colour next to another – just like in life – changes everything and calls everything into question. You have to go back to the drawing board every time. It is important to remain open-minded and embrace the unexpected twists and turns that come along the way. Every brushstroke and every choice of colour tells a story, one that reflects not just my personal passions but also broader themes of connection and transformation. Engaging with art in this way allows me to express myself and to resonate with others in profound ways, creating a dialogue that transcends mere visual experience.

16mag: We sincerely appreciate the delightful conversation and the thoughtful gifts. Your generous gesture has truly touched us. We look forward to visiting you again in Biarritz, a beautiful place filled with cherished memories and warmth. Your hospitality and kindness have left a lasting impression on us.

It is my pleasure and you are always welcome here at my home and Biarritz of course... (Smiles) and thank you again for coming and for the insightful conversation.