Interview with artist Izzie Le Marchant
At The Digital Greenhouse, we have welcomed a new local artist to display her work in the space.
Here we take a look at the work of local illustrator, Isabelle Le Marchant. Read more about her muses and techniques in our artist interview below.
How does the space at the Digital Greenhouse best suit your work?
I love the fact that my work is able to be appreciated by other creative people. The space allows me to display my smallest and biggest pieces, and I hope they bring some colour and positivity to everyone working at the Digital Greenhouse!
Who are your biggest artistic influences and where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by sculptors of ancient Greek deities such as Alexandros of Antioch, Antonio Canova, and Leochares. However, I take most of my inspiration from artists on Instagram! Some of my favourite creators are Helena Elias (@helena.illustrated), Flora Kirk (@flaroh), Viki Lester (@forensicsandflowers), Clémence Gouy (@clemence_gouy), and Eugénie Debesse (@eugeniedbart).
I have recently been inspired by the 70s colour palette - I love the warm tones and the aesthetic of 70s style, so I have loved incorporating that into some of my work! I also take a lot of inspiration from Greek Mythology - goddesses feature heavily in my art as they have always been a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment to me. Most of my portrait illustrations feature women only; this is because depictions of women and women’s bodies in art are disproportionately created by men, and art created by women is hugely underrepresented and undervalued in major art galleries and auctions across the world. I believe that we need to see more depictions of women by women, as it is important to see representations of women that are not portrayed as seen through the male gaze.
What motivates you to create?
My motivation comes and goes, and so I've learned that it's important not to force myself to create if I'm not feeling inspired at that moment - forcing myself to make art when I'm not feeling it always leads to burnout and takes the enjoyment out of it! My motivation is usually at it's highest when I've discovered a new artist whose work I love, and their work inspires me to create something of my own.
How can you encourage people to be more creative in their spare time?
I don't think being creative has to be about making art - it can be whatever feels comfortable to you. Just listening to music, doodling, or dancing are all creative activities! Don't put pressure on yourself to create something beautiful, just do what makes you happy and enjoy the process.
Art is a reflection of our culture, as it can show changing attitudes, values, and ideas throughout time - a piece of art from any specific time period can tell you a lot about the culture and social norms of the time and place it was created. Art also allows us to communicate with one another without the need for language - it is a universally understood medium that can help to connect and unite people from different cultures and backgrounds!
How can people find out more about your work?
I post most of my art on Instagram - @femme_and_flora, and I sell prints and stickers on my Etsy shop, Femme & Flora Designs. My website femmeandflora.net will be launching soon!
