Welcome to our exclusive dialogue with Vanessa Van Meerhaeghe, an intrepid artist whose transition from the fast-paced world of fashion design to the introspective world of painting epitomises a bold redefinition of creative identity. Having honed her skills amidst the glamour and precision of the fashion industry, Vanessa now channels her deep-seated creativity into her paintings, exploring broader and more personal themes. Today, Vanessa shares with us the exhilarations and challenges of charting a path less travelled in the arts. As she delves into how her past experiences shape her current work and discusses her varied sources of inspiration, she reflects on the changing dynamics of art in the age of social media. 

What is more, we are delighted to announce that Vanessa Van Meerhaeghe is officially an Artit jury member. In her role as a juror, she will be instrumental in evaluating artworks and selecting winners for Artit's calls for art. With her unique perspective and expertise, we're excited to show you how she'll enrich our artistic community! 

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Share your thoughts on pursuing a creative career, despite potential risks, versus more conventional career paths. 

Embarking on a creative career, especially after having experienced the relative security of working as a fashion designer, presents a unique blend of challenges and exhilarations. The fashion industry, with its blend of creativity and commerce, offered me a taste of stability within a creative framework. Yet, the drive to pursue an even more personal creative path speaks to a deeper longing for self-expression and fulfilment. Switching lanes from fashion design to painting is like opening a new chapter that’s both thrilling and a bit intimidating. Working in fashion was amazing—it taught me so much about colour, texture, and form, which is a great source of inspiration for my current work. Sure, painting is a whole different ball game with its own set of challenges, but it feels like I’m building on something rather than starting from scratch.

 

This isn’t about throwing away the experiences I had in fashion. Far from it. I’m taking all that knowledge and those cool experiences with me as I dive into this new creative pool. It’s about not settling, even when you’ve got something good going. Because maybe, just maybe, there’s something even more amazing out there. So, yeah, stepping away from the more secure path into a broader creative landscape is a big move. It means dealing with a lot more ups and downs, but it’s also about following my gut and seeing where this creative journey takes me. It’s finding that sweet spot between using what I know and diving into what I don’t. And honestly, I’m here for it. It’s about making my own path, mixing the skills I’ve got with the dreams I’m chasing.

Share your sources of inspiration. What are your primary sources of inspiration? Do these come from personal experiences, observations, history, nature, or other artists? Can you give specific examples of how these inspirations have manifested in your work?

My sources of inspiration are as diverse as they are constant. They stem from personal experiences, observations, and interactions with the world around me. One of my primary sources of inspiration is fashion magazines. The vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and new designs showcased in these magazines never fail to spark my creativity. In addition to fashion magazines, visiting museums, mostly during my travels, is a significant source of inspiration for me. Exploring the halls of renowned art institutions around the world exposes me to diverse artistic traditions and styles.

 

Whether it's studying the brushstrokes of a Renaissance masterpiece or admiring the avant-garde creations of contemporary artists, each museum or gallery visit leaves an indelible mark on my spirit. Moreover, my travels themselves serve as a profound wellspring of inspiration, particularly when it comes to nature. Exploring new landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged mountain ranges, exposes me to the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the natural world. The colours, textures, and patterns I encounter during my journeys find their way into my artwork, infusing it with a sense of wonder.

Discuss the importance of personal connection to your subject matter. How important is having a personal connection to the subjects or themes of your artwork? Can you give examples of how this connection has influenced your work?

The importance of personal connection to the subjects or themes of my artwork cannot be overstated. It's not only about the characters that populate my compositions but also the landscapes and environments that serve as their backdrop. Each element is infused with a piece of my own experiences, emotions, and memories, creating a tapestry of personal connection that enriches my artistic expression. While my characters are not direct self-portraits, they embody facets of my own identity and experiences. Their expressions, gestures, and interactions with the viewer are imbued with a sense of introspection and self-awareness that reflects my own journey of self-discovery. Despite their fictional nature, there's a deep sense of familiarity and intimacy that I feel towards them, as they serve as conduits for exploring themes of identity, emotion, and human connection.           

              

In addition to my characters, nature plays a significant role in my work, often serving as the backdrop for their narratives. The landscapes and backgrounds depicted in my paintings are drawn from places I have personally experienced and felt a connection to. Whether it's the serene tranquillity of a forest glade or the vast expanse of an open field, each scene evokes memories and emotions that resonate with me on a profound level. This connection to nature not only enriches the visual storytelling of my artwork but also serves as a source of inspiration. The natural world has a way of grounding me, of reminding me of my place in the universe. By incorporating elements of nature into my compositions, I seek to capture its beauty, its majesty, and its power, inviting viewers to share in the awe and wonder that I experience when immersed in the great outdoors.

How do you think social media platforms influence the way art is created and perceived today?

Social media platforms have undoubtedly transformed the landscape of art creation and perception in profound ways. They have democratized the art world, providing artists with unprecedented access to global audiences and allowing for direct engagement with fans and collectors. However, they have also introduced new challenges and considerations that shape the way art is both created and perceived today.

 

One significant influence of social media platforms on art creation is the emphasis on visual storytelling and immediacy. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok thrive on visual content that is eye-catching and easily digestible, leading artists to tailor their work to fit within these formats. This has led to the rise of new art forms, such as digital art and short-form video content, which are optimized for consumption on social media. 

 

Additionally, social media platforms have facilitated collaboration and community-building among artists. Online art communities provide a space for artists to share their work, exchange ideas, and support one another, fostering a sense of camaraderie and solidarity within the artistic community. This sense of belonging can be both empowering and validating for artists, encouraging them to continue creating and sharing their work. However, social media platforms also introduce new challenges in terms of how art is perceived and valued. The instant feedback loop of likes, comments, and shares can create pressure for artists to produce work that is easily marketable and trend-driven, rather than pursuing their own artistic vision. Additionally, the curated nature of social media feeds can contribute to a homogenization of artistic styles, as artists may feel compelled to conform to popular trends in order to gain visibility and recognition.

 

Furthermore, the democratization of the art world through social media has led to questions about authenticity and credibility. With anyone able to share their work online, distinguishing between amateur hobbyists and professional artists can be challenging for audiences. This can impact the perceived value of art and create scepticism among collectors and critics.

Discuss the balance between innate creativity and the skills honed through education and practice. 

From my perspective, navigating the balance between innate creativity and the skills developed through education and practice is a dynamic journey. As an artist, I recognise the importance of both aspects in shaping my work and artistic identity.

 

My innate creativity is the driving force behind my artworks. It's the unique lens through which I perceive the world and translate my thoughts and emotions onto the canvas. This innate creativity is deeply personal and serves as the foundation of my artistic voice.

 

However, creativity alone isn't enough to bring my vision to fruition. Education and practice provide me with the technical skills and knowledge needed to effectively communicate my ideas. While my studies at the Art Academy in Fashion Design provided me with a strong foundation in drawing and artistic courses, I found that most of my painting skills had to be self-taught. I'm continuously improving and refining my abilities in this area, recognising that my skills still need development.

 

For me, the key to finding balance lies in integrating my innate creativity with the skills I've acquired through education and practice. Rather than viewing them as opposing forces, I see them as complementary aspects of my artistic process.

Discuss the importance of messaging in your art and the audience’s understanding of it. How crucial is it for your audience to grasp the message behind your artwork? Do you create with a specific message in mind, and how do you gauge its reception?

For me, the importance of messaging in my art lies in the narrative it offers, rather than conveying a specific message or deeper meaning. While some artists may aim to communicate particular ideas or provoke specific emotions through their work, I prefer to leave interpretation open-ended, allowing viewers to engage with the piece on their own terms.                                                                                                                                   

My paintings are more about storytelling than delivering a message. Each piece offers a glimpse into a world of imagination and emotion, inviting viewers to explore and interpret the narrative as they see fit. I believe that art is subjective, and the meaning derived from a piece can vary greatly from person to person.

 

That being said, I do create with intention. While I don't set out to convey a specific message, I do have a vision in mind when I begin a new piece. Whether it's capturing a fleeting moment or evoking a sense of nostalgia, my goal is to elicit an emotional response from the viewer.

 

As for gauging reception, I rely on the reactions and feedback of those who engage with my art. While I don't expect everyone to see or feel the same things when viewing my work, I'm always curious to hear how others interpret it. Whether it's through conversations with viewers, feedback on social media, or reactions at exhibitions, I value the insights and perspectives of those who interact with my art.                                                         

 

Ultimately, while messaging may play a role in some forms of art, I believe that the beauty of visual art lies in its ability to evoke emotion and spark imagination without the need for explicit messages or deeper meanings. Each piece is an expression of creativity and emotion, meant to be experienced and appreciated in its own right.

What superpower would you choose that aligns with your artistic endeavours and why? 

Having the power to control time would be a game-changer for managing all the interruptions that mess with my painting groove. Let's face it, life gets in the way sometimes—whether it's family stuff, chores, or just the million little things that pop up.

 

Imagine being able to freeze time when I'm in the zone, brush in hand and creativity flowing. No more worrying about the doorbell ringing or the dog needing to go out. I could just hit pause, deal with whatever needs my attention, and then pick up right where I left off without missing a beat.

 

And when it comes to all the mundane stuff like grocery shopping, cooking, and laundry? I could fast-forward through it all, getting it done in a fraction of the time so I could get back to my canvas ASAP.

 

Basically, having control over time would mean more painting, fewer interruptions, and a whole lot more creative freedom. It's every artist's dream come true I guess.

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We are immensely grateful to Vanessa for sharing her personal journey with us. Transitioning from fashion design to painting represents more than a career shift—it's a heartfelt pursuit of artistic authenticity and personal fulfilment and we can't help but root for her. Vanessa's narrative is a beacon for anyone contemplating a leap into the unknown realms of their creative pursuits.

As she continues to push the boundaries of her art, exploring new techniques and thematic depths, Vanessa exemplifies the transformative power of art to forge connections, provoke thought, and drive societal change. We encourage you to keep an eye on Vanessa’s evolving artistic journey and support her endeavours through her Artit portfolio. Her work not only challenges the viewer but also invites us into a vibrant dialogue about the essence and impact of creativity. Engage with her ongoing projects and witness how she continues to shape the landscape of contemporary art with each bold stroke and colour palette.