A Brush of Sensitivity to the Eye and a Touch of Expressiveness for the Mind by Floortje Selis
by Patrick Morgan
When did you first get into drawing?
My story of beginning with drawing is not any different from most little girls I guess. I've always held a pencil in my hand when I was young. It is your own little fantasy world in a way isn't it?
"My mother was always drawing and painting and having her encouraging me and praising my work was the best feeling. She was my inspiration for a long time."
Why did you choose to make fashion part of your inspiration?
I like the duality of fashion, the complexity in a way. I am a very sensitive person, I am an absolute expressive introvert person, fashion represents all those contradictions for me. In my illustrations I can be who I am and who I want to be at the same time. Sometimes they are the same person and sometimes they are not.
What is your particular working day as a creative?
The morning is super important for my creativity.
"So as a mother and wife I like to get everything out of the way nice and tidy in the morning haha, because I know my creativity needs SPACE, a lot of it. And as soon as everything around me is calm and looked after, I disappear in that fantasy world."
It is my place and I need to spend several hours there, every day. So I combine payed work with free work every day.
What tools do you use when creating your images?
My holy tools... my tablet and pen from Wacom. Of course my iMac and creative suite. Next to that coffee, water and loud music.
Who are what has influenced you over the years as an artist?
"I remember seeing a portrait made by Isaac Israels a couple of years ago in a museum and just being amazed. I started reading about him and his life alongside his rival and inspiration George Breitner."
It is so fascinating and I love that they lived right here, they are even buried here, I feel almost honoured to be so 'close' to them. Their work is something I will always be influenced by. But also (and I know this sounds a bit weird) the pain of knowing I am not as good as the big names. The frustration drives me to go further, try again and again. I need the emotion to drive me crazy, I have to feel. It is my drive.
What advice do you have for younger artists looking to be part of this industry?
Don't be scared. Don't be intimidated. This is your world too, claim your space.
What are you drawing today? Music are you listening to? Books that your are reading? Favourite artist/designer at the moment?
Today I am working on a book, from a stylist here in The Netherlands. I am illustrating all the chapter openings, I am really happy about that. It is pushing me a bit out of my comfort zone which is good, because I don't like to compromise normally. Every day is a school day...
"I listen to all sorts of music, as long as it breaks me or builds me. Right now it is FONKY FAMILY, French hiphop. Oh mama!! I never listen to 'nice background music' what's the fun in that..."
I am reading several books at the moment. I am reading a book about the Dutch Monarchie, the history is fascinating, and I am reading 'the dinner club' and I am reading 'De avond is ongemak'. This book won like a million or so prizes, but I only just started that. And my favourite artist at the moment is without a doubt Mister David Downton. He seems charming, funny and quite talented. ;-)
Email:hallo@floortjeselis.nl
Instagram: @floortje_selis_illustrations
www.floortjeselis.com
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