Oneiric Expression with Irene Paris
Irene Paris is an artist and designer whose work blends illustration with fashion and textile design, often combining unexpected materials and techniques to create dreamlike compositions full of life and energy. From endlessly sketching as a child to studying at renowned art schools in St. Petersburg and Paris, her journey has been shaped by curiosity and a deep love for creativity. Immersed in Parisian culture and surrounded by its rich collection of iconic artists, Irene approaches her work with both spontaneity and artistic vision, seeing each project as an opportunity to push boundaries.
When did you first know you were interested in creating art?
Since my early childhood I used to draw non-stop in my spare time after school. My parents still keep some of my touching and original childhood drawings. At the age of 10, I began to take my art education seriously, not only at art school, but also in a studio of a professional artist, where I studied academic drawing and painting. These were my first steps into the world of art and creativity!
Can you describe your journey into fashion illustration and textile design?
At some point, I became fascinated by the profession of a fashion designer and everything that goes with it: the process of creating fashion collections, the incredible fashion shows, the great names in fashion industry - all of it inspired me. I decided to make it my career path. That's why I studied Fashion Design and Fashion Illustration at two great art schools: St. Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design and École des Arts Décoratifs de Paris. Later I created a brand of fashion accessories - scarves made of beautiful Italian silk with my illustrations.
What mediums and tools do you rely on most for your creative process, and why?
I love spontaneity in my illustration work. I often use whatever materials I have at hand on my desk. It could be coloured or black ink, pencils of all kinds, pastels, acrylics or watercolours, sometimes felt pens and other materials. I combine materials and techniques that don't make sense together, but the result is lively, dynamic and unpredictable illustrations. I work in much the same way with digital illustrations.
How would you define your artistic style, and how has it evolved over time?
My style is oneiric, expressive. I like to draw quickly, so there are often nervous, contrasting quick strokes, but I always strive for harmony in composition and colour. The combination of colours is very important to me. Also, there is fantasy in my illustrations, even the fashion illustrations. For a scarf collection, for example, I would invent animals that do not exist - a sea tiger, a butterfly-elephant and so on. And over time the atmosphere has become more poetic.
What inspires your work - are there specific themes, movements, or personal experiences that influence your art?
I will share with you my secret to start a beautiful and inspiring day - it is a walk along the banks of the Seine to my art studio, past my beloved Musée d'Orsay with its collection of great artists, and on along the streets of Saint Germain des Prés, a district in Paris. I love the atmosphere of the galleries, the legendary French cafés and their charm. On a more global level, I draw inspiration from the works of my favourite designers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets of all times and they are too numerous to mention!
How do you stay motivated and continually push yourself creatively?
During the working day (which is not always a creative process) I try to allow some time for doing what I like to do - what inspires me and makes me happy. Honestly, if you have an opportunity to do something you love, and even better if it is your job, that is the strongest motivation.
What’s been the most challenging project you’ve worked on, and how did you overcome those challenges?
I would say that for me, the difficulties I have encountered are not related to the creative side of the projects, but to the production process of realising these projects. I try to be patient and not give up. In general, I welcome the word challenge - it implies an active energy that can move mountains.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out who wants to develop their skills and style?
Every artist, not only a beginner, is in an endless search for himself. It is in this creative process that the artist's style is born. Explore, learn, experiment, observe. There are so many different opportunities to do find your personal inspiration and style. Travel, go to exhibitions, discover the world. And above all, do not be afraid to make mistakes, because history shows that sometimes it is from mistakes that genius is born.
Are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue in the future?
I have many ideas for personal projects and collaborations with brands and creative people that I will be happy to share with you as soon as they come to fruition!
See more of Irene Paris:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Website: https://www.ireneparis.fr/
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