How are you experiencing the lockdown?
I was in France when the lockdown was announced, and for various reasons, I couldn't go back to St. Barth. So, I am now in exile near Royan, in Charente-Maritime, far from St. Barth and my family. My little dog, JiJi, is with me, which ensures my daily dose of cuddles and allows me to go for a walk twice a day within the authorized kilometer limit. There are many police checkpoints, and the beaches are forbidden, as is the customs officers' path that starts right in front of my accommodation. I'm in an apartment, but I'm very lucky because my view is the endless sea. I go out as little as possible, and I try to have everything delivered. Since I'm alone, I've completely taken over the apartment, transforming it into a spacious studio. I had bought painting supplies just before the lockdown, and the space is now covered with tubes, brushes, canvases, without anyone disturbing me. For me, it's the most beautiful setting there is.
When I arrived, I fell ill and truly thought I had caught the virus. Fortunately, after about ten days, I was much better. But I wasn't tested. Here in Charentes, there are fortunately few cases, but I have friends in Paris and in the provinces who have been infected, as well as two cousins.
What is your state of mind?
I've gone through all sorts of emotions: shock and disbelief at the incredible phenomenon we're experiencing, anger at its consequences, a suffocating feeling at the loss of our freedoms and enforced confinement, fear of dying when I was ill, anxiety at the idea of being alone for an indefinite period, a deep longing for my family, dizziness at the emptiness of my future days... I'm usually very active, and "having nothing to do" terrified me. I created a schedule to fill this void: walks with the dog, meditation, Pilates, music, reading, online courses, calling parents and friends, painting, sorting photos, etc...
Thanks to this "framework," I was able to calm down, and I started to look around and deep within myself. As my senses sharpened, I was able to see the beauty of things with serenity and enjoyment. I tried to optimize time rather than waiting for it to pass. When I walk my dog, I discover the beauty of my surroundings like never before, I photograph, I post on my personal Instagram, I revel in every moment. I started painting, calmly, taking all my time, without worrying about the hour, and little by little, this painting time filled my entire schedule.
Does this confinement experience have an impact on your artistic approach?
My artistic approach has become much more serene, obvious, as if it flowed naturally. Having all my time allows me to tame this energy; I don't look for inspiration, I let it come.
I also got some clay, and I want to try some sculptures. Everything is allowed; I have time to play.
Are you practicing during the lockdown? If so, can you tell us about your new works?
For now, I've only painted two canvases. I've never painted so slowly, with so much delight. I use acrylics and Posca pens on canvas. The chosen colors are soft, and since I can't choose between figurative and abstract, I mix a little of both. The first painting I created is inspired by my children, whom I miss very much. The second is in line with my "ISLANDS" series, but the colors are different, influenced by the darker sea and the flamboyant sunsets of Western France.
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