Artist
Chat with an artist: Marleen De Waele talks about the inspiration of her artwork
Belgium artist Marleen De Waele talks in depth about her artistic background and how nature’s duality has become a powerful source of inspiration for her artwork, in particular, her water lilies piece, which she will present at the “Bodies of Water” exhibition hosted by 33 Contemporary and ArtPlacer.
This interview was conducted in the lead-up to the upcoming Bodies of Water art exhibition, a curated event showcasing a diverse range of artworks centered around themes of water, its symbolism, and its environmental impact. The exhibition, curated by Sergio Gomez and Didi Menendez, will run from November 7 to December 27, 2024, at 33 Contemporary Gallery at Palm Beach Art & Design Showroom and on an online 3D show powered by ArtPlacer.
Keep reading to learn more about Marleen’s work.
Marleen is one of the top selected artists from the “Bodies of Water’ exhibition.
Tell us a little about your background. How did your journey as an artist begin, and what inspired you to pursue a creative career?
I’m from Belgium and graduated there from art school with a degree in printmaking. As a child, I was always better at drawing and painting, and I realized at a very young age that I wanted to be an artist. Education gave me a good foundation for my future endeavors in painting, illustration and fashion design.
Shortly after my graduation, I moved to Mozambique with my husband who got a contract to work in the mining industry there. The country at that time was very impoverished and dangerous due to a civil war. These were tough years for me. I was completely cut off from the outside world.
I made safety posters for the illiterate mineworkers, taught Art for some time at Mondlane University and worked on an educational animation movie at the Cinema Institute in Maputo.
After a couple of years of living back in Belgium, we moved again, this time to Johannesburg, South Africa, for my husband’s work. The country’s natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural diversity inspired me greatly. I created paintings of colorful market scenes and people.
Next, I started to design a children’s clothing line “Enfant D’Ete”. I always loved design, fashion and fabrics, especially for kids. The brand was successful, and I was ready to work on a winter collection until my husband’s company gave us the opportunity to move to Nashville in the USA.
I had my first solo show at the Parthenon Museum West Gallery with large-scale paintings of African sculptures as subject matter. Nashville is a vast, growing, booming city with many creative people moving to the city. I worked with different galleries and had good interviews and press releases. I also taught part-time for nine years at a Design College.
My husband and I moved in 2018 to South Florida and I’m still happy with the move. I love the exotic nature, the palm trees, the sun and vacation vibe. It has given me great inspiration for my paintings.
Maureen next to one of her nature-inspired pieces.
Your artwork is featured in the ‘Bodies of Water’ exhibition. Can you share the story behind the piece(s) you submitted? What themes does your work explore?
The work I submitted for the show is a large water lily pond painting. I enjoy walking in nature and visiting the botanical gardens in South Florida. Water Lilies in water are beautiful and give me peace of mind. They thrive in wet environments, often in relatively shallow ponds. The flowers in the water symbolize peace and balance. My paintings are almost always about the beauty of nature.
Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial concept to the final piece?
Most of my paintings begin with a photograph I‘ve taken during walks. This particular piece started with an iPhone picture. However, I only used it as a starting point and deviated from it significantly, transforming it into a fantasy scene. I began with an abstract background, created using medium gel and paint, then outlined some shapes with acrylic paint, layering more paint on top, straying from the original image. I created this work with a unique texture and depth.
A view into the top 5 selection of artworks from the “Bodies of Water” exhibition.
How do your experiences and surroundings influence your work? How does your identity or background play a role in your creation?
I was and still am inspired by the environment I live in. Africa was different from Nashville, and Nashville is different from Boca Raton. Art is personal. For me, it is about studying, living, practicing, traveling, and being willing to grow. My work from the last few years has been based on nature and imaginative landscapes. They are colorful and large in scale. Each painting has a fresh, calm quality and offers an insightful look in terms of location and state of mind. I love walking in nature and in the botanical gardens. I think I visited all of them in South Florida.
Being from Belgium, where summers are short, I find the exotic scenes and light in Florida incredibly inspiring. Living here gives me “vacation vibes” with the palm trees, flowers, and beaches; it’s an endless source of inspiration for my paintings.
Water is such a powerful symbol, what does it represent in your work? How do you connect with the exhibition’s theme, and what unique perspective do you bring to it?
I wanted to capture the serene beauty of water. We all need water to survive. Water symbolizes life, renewal, and change, reminding us of its essential role in our ecosystem. At the same time, water can be a powerful reminder of nature’s duality. It has abilities to nourish but also has a potential for destruction.
What do you want people to feel or take away when they view your work?
I aim to give the viewer a sense of peace and calm, inviting them to pause and reflect. The stillness of the water creates a sense of peace, allowing worries to drift away. The delicate lilies floating on the surface evoke beauty and grace, their soft colors reflecting the gentle hues of nature. Providing a perfect escape from the busyness of daily life. I hope the viewer might feel inspired, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to the simple yet profound beauty of the world around them.
Building an online presence has become essential for artists in today’s digital age. How do you use social media and art marketing tools to connect with your audience and promote your work?
I have gallery representations in different states, and they manage their own social media. I’m not the biggest social media person, but I do have a website, a Facebook profile, and a Facebook page. I also have Instagram, which I enjoy because I only post my artwork there. If people ask me about my style, I can pull up my Instagram and share a lot immediately. I never pay for social content or exposure. Although it may seem like not many people react, I know they are following what I’m doing.
“Pond” artwork by Marleen De Waele.
What role do exhibitions like ‘Bodies of Water’ that are both physical and digital play in an artist’s career?
“The Body of Water Show” is a juried exhibition, and it’s always an achievement to be selected. An artist should be proud to be selected. It’s a way to showcase their work and reach out to people who may not know who they are or have never heard of them. The show provides an opportunity for people to see the work in person. At the same time, artists understand that digital formats can reach a larger audience. At the end of the day, an artist needs as much exposure as they can get.
How has participating in this exhibition impacted you?
The “Bodies of Water” show is a juried exhibition, and I know that the call for entries received around 700 submissions, and I’m proud to be one of their top five selected artists! I prefer a physical show, as it’s better to see the artwork in person, especially mine, which is large and doesn’t translate to its full potential on smaller screens.
However, digital formats reach a larger audience. I’m excited to see the reactions from viewers, both those visiting the physical show and those engaging with it online.
What advice would you give aspiring artists just starting their journey?
If you love what you do and stay focused, it will pay off one day. Look for other local artists and share your work alongside theirs. Listening to criticism isn’t always easy, but It helps you grow and improve. Find your own style and try out different techniques, being unique sets you apart. Build a portfolio and use social media to share your work.
Try to find gallery representation and set goals. Being an artist is a journey with ups and downs, so stay dedicated and don’t lose your passion for creating. I started as a young artist, showcasing my work in coffee shops and restaurants, and I worked my way up to gallery representation, solo shows, and a few museum exhibitions.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
