IyaGallery
RESONATE SANCTUARY
About Emilie
I am the founder and artist behind IyaGallery, which was created four years ago next month.
The essence of my watercolours is mainly inspired by two of the characteristics of the wabi-sabi aesthetic:
Kanso - simplicity
Seijaku - tranquility
I am currently based in London with my husband after living in the Peak District and the Scottish Highlands when I first moved to the UK from Belgium ten years ago.
Morning ritual
I am someone who enjoys, and I would argue needs, stability and structure in my life so I usually have the same morning routine every day.
I've always been interested in finding ways to live a slower and more mindful life, so I tend to start my days with some breathing exercises and a couple of stretches before preparing a healthy smoothie and matcha latte for breakfast.
I enjoy spending the first few hours of the day in silence - which side note was before we got Koya our lovely labradoodle - I like to sit on the sofa and simply be with myself for a few seconds gathering my thoughts or not thinking at all.
When the weather allows it, I step out onto our terrace to check on our plants as well as savouring the fresh air and clearing my mind out before starting work.
Creative Process
It is very much a balance between a mindful process and a subconscious state of mind.
Both will influence my feelings and present thoughts which will then result into mininal and abstract expressions on the paper. One thing is certain, I cannot force it as I need to be in the right mindset to allow myself to dedicate a few hours in creating a series of paintings that I then scatter on the floor to refine and add final touches.
Home
Home is a very important concept for me, in the sense that I've had to create a new sense of home away from my original home, so I put a lot of thought into it. I've always craved for a place where I could find peace, joy and simply be myself physically and mentally.
I'd like to think that my own physical space reflects a balance between who I am, who I would like to be and how I would like to feel - an organised structure that brings a sense of calmness. Therefore, I carefully select what surrounds me and all the objects I add have their own very specific place. I also enjoy open white spaces filled with nothing but art and plants which allows me to find the quietness and simplicity I seek in my daily life.
With time, I've also come to realise that for me, home is not just a 'where I am' but also a 'with who I am".
Time is the most precious and valuable commodity, something that is impossible to gain back so trying to spend it well is primordial for your happiness.
Everything is temporary so treasure what you wish to remain permanent and be grateful for what you already have.
Slow days, simple moments, meaningful times.
Be grateful, Observe, Admire, Learn, Pause, Reflect, Readjust, Respite, Respect.
Evening Ritual
Similarly to my mornings, the way I am spending my evenings is very much the same days after days. Thinking about it, I would say that my evenings are probably the most important part of my day as I fully use this time to unwind and simply be in the present. It can be through the process of walking the dog in the park, cooking, reading, watching a movie, looking through old pictures, sitting still,...
Just before going to bed, I always give myself a moment to reflect on a few things I am grateful for to put myself in the best mindset to end the day.
