Interview with Veronique Avril
Your artistic journey wasn’t traditional. How did you find your way into art?
My path has been quite unexpected. I studied literature and built a career in event planning, later working independently with decorative objects. Surrounded by beauty and curated spaces, I felt a growing pull toward artistic expression. Last year, I finally decided to follow that calling fully, and it opened an entirely new chapter in my life.
How did your childhood in Lyon shape your artistic sensibilities?
My father was a draftsman, and he introduced me to drawing when I was very young. His influence, combined with my early fascination with great painters, built the foundation of how I see the world. That early exposure still guides me today.
What encouraged you to fully commit to art only recently?
There came a moment when I realized art had become a necessity, not simply an interest. I felt an internal shift — a desire to explore and create without limits. Following that instinct felt natural, and everything unfolded from there.
Your practice includes painting, mixed media, and staged photography. How would you describe your creative process?
I don’t believe in restricting creativity. I work intuitively, often with music, letting ideas flow freely. I use acrylics, powders, and 3D paint to bring depth and texture. In photography, I build scenes almost like a filmmaker, crafting atmospheres that express what words cannot.
You’ve mentioned Impressionism, Magritte, and Toulouse-Lautrec among your influences. What draws you to them?
Impressionism taught me to feel light and emotion. Magritte speaks to my love for surreal perspectives. Toulouse-Lautrec moves me with his resilience and dedication despite his struggles. These influences naturally find their way into my work.
Your artwork “United” carries deep emotion. What is the story behind it?
“United” was created in response to the suffering of children — something that affects me profoundly. The little girl holding a bear symbolizes comfort, connection, and resilience. It’s a very personal piece, born from a desire to speak about vulnerability and hope.
The feminine psyche is central to your art. Why does this theme resonate with you?
The feminine universe is rich and complex. I explore it through surreal and dreamlike scenes, using chiaroscuro, roses, smoke, and symbolic elements to reveal emotional worlds that often remain unseen. It’s a theme I feel connected to on a deep level.
Your style blends surrealism, romanticism, and abstraction. What does this combination allow you to express?
This blend gives me freedom. Surrealism opens imagination, romanticism brings softness and emotion, and abstraction invites intuition. Together, they form a visual language that communicates feelings rather than literal scenes.
What attracts you to creating abstract works alongside figurative pieces?
Abstraction lets me focus purely on sensations — texture, movement, transformation. These works often feel like landscapes of emotion. They invite viewers to experience the piece instinctively, without searching for a defined subject.
What is your dream for your future as an artist?
My dream is to be recognized for a style that is distinctly mine — to create work that people can identify instantly. More than anything, I want my art to touch others emotionally and leave a lasting impression.

