We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ilse Duijn. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ilse below.

Ilse, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

I wished I had listened to my gut and join the Art Academy right after high school. I always got that special feeling of cozyness and comfort during artclass in highschool; now I know that feeling meant you’re in ‘your zone’. I have been painting from the moment I could hold a brush; Looking back; it was pretty obvious that I would pursue a creative carreer over a ‘regular’ one.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in the northern parts of the Netherlands and lived in Amsterdam since I was 16 years old. Ever since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by the paintbrush. I was an odd child, I spend a lot of my time alone in the crafts corner my parents created for me, my imagination took me to other worlds.

When I was 15 years old, I wanted to go to the “Gerrit Rietveld’ art academy in Amsterdam, and I made the cut; but wasn’t exactly cheered on by the people in my environment; I’d better study something I could earn good money with.

I became a -very creative- online communication specialist and have been working in that field for over 12 years; worked for big corporates on huge media campaigns. Even though I was good at what I did, I felt as I was missing out on my own talents; like I was walking a path that wasn’t meant for me. Because we had a family to run, I couldn’t quit my job.

In 2019, we – my husband, two sons and me- moved to New York for my husband’s work. Somehow, I started painting like a maniac. When we moved to LA a year later, in 2020, there was no stopping me. My creativity had awakened. And with that -my life force. I turned our garage into my atelier and just kept painting; whatever inspired me. All my work is inspired by observing people, their ways, contrasts and the roles they play in this life.

I started selling works in boutiques in Redondo Beach and worked with staging companies. I noticed how hard it was to set ground in this area without knowing the right people, so I joined The Southbay Artist Collective and became a Member of the PV art center. I started selling at local artfairs and that gave me a huge boost; both in sales and inspiration. Now I sell works through Instagram or my online website. My work is to be viewed and critiqued in national art shows.

My medium; I paint on canvas or linen with heavy body acrylics and oil pastels. I always paint stories; mostly about connection. I use fine lining, entanglement and contrasting colors to grab your attention. My works are ‘round’ in a way – but also full of contrast.

Women have always been the center of attention in my works; I believe the world is in need of more women who are connected to their core being. Women who live by their truths. Women nowadays are forced to (over)use their male energy to survive in business structures, families and the high demands that come with it.

There is little calling or space for softness, intuition, core knowing. When you are forced to live your life like this – meaning from a state of push-energy; you most likely will burn out and lose connection with your true self.

With my paintings, I am hoping to bring more female energy back into the world. More connection, more love, more openness. I would love to think that my paintings soften something in people whenever they look at it. I would like to think they encourage women to search their way back home to their joy.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

That I get to be me. That I get to pursue my whims, my wonders and my creativity. I like to wonder off paths, meet spirited people and be inspired by it. I am proud of the fact that I do not fit the mold, I feel brave for daring to be different -although I can fake it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes. In my life’s journey I have encountered my share of dark chapters. In these dark years I did not feel supported or loved. I came to believe that I have to earn love and care and I struggle with trust issues as a result. My art helps me to soften those scars and give me back a sense of trust. Trust in connection with others, in the willingness to help and support each other. I think the reason that I paint women, groups and entanglement is that I have a deep wish to be held, to be supported and to let myself be cared for. But up until today, I have not reached that goal in real life. By spreading works that resemble sisterhood, unconditional love and connectedness, I hope to restore my most intimate trust.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ilseduijn.com/art
• Instagram: @Ilse_duijn_atelier
• Other: @ilses_artclub

Image Credits
Images by Ilse Duijn (me)