Kelly Cayuela
Paris, France
Website
www.kellycayuela.com
Social Media
Instagram
How would you describe your work?
I love to paint interior spaces and everyday moments in time. When I focus on a memory or something in my daily routine, it makes me feel present and helps me to focus on things that matter. The moments happening in our routine, that is our lives’ story. Painting these spaces and moments, I hope one may feel a peaceful presence.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by music, painting, film, writing, and interior design. I am also inspired by light, humanity, feeling alive, and nature. I have been painting in a corner of my kitchen lately. The light is perfect and soft. I love that the kitchen is a bit separated from the rest of our apartment. I like that the kitchen doesn’t feel pretentious and is a joyful, creative place.
Can you speak about your process?
First, I usually sketch different ideas or create a still life to paint. I just make myself turn off the hesitation “reasoning” part of my brain and start painting a simple outline underneath, then apply the final colors on top of that outline.
How did you become interested in art?
I think I have always been interested in art. I worked as an art director on film sets for years and then had twins and stopped. I think it takes a certain level of courage to say you want to be an artist, similarly to becoming a parent. I am really enjoying claiming and defining what those roles look like to me.
Do you have any favorite artists, movies, books, or quotes?
I respect so many. I adore the book The Poetics of Space by Bachelard concerning my painting style. I am always excited to find someone who can put into beautiful words what I feel. I listen to a lot of jazz these days. I love old movies; if you look at some of my paintings you can spot some VHS’s with titles I love painted on them.
What advice do you have for younger artists?
My advice is to be open to everything, whether it directly relates to your art or not. We never know where we will be inspired or how an experience might serve us later. Also, do not compare yourself to anyone. If there is one thing art can be defined as is “individual”. That’s what makes it so beautiful to me.
