We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marleen Pauwels a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marleen, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I guess every artist experiences moments of doubt, based on the challenges inherent in pursuing a career in art, such as financial instability and uncertainty. However, for me, the rewards, such as the freedom to follow my own vision and connect with audiences through my art, far outweigh those drawbacks. The sense of purpose and fulfillment I derive from creating art makes me genuinely happy and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Belgian minimalist painter and illustrator based in Spain. As a child I wanted to be a performer, craving the attention of the stage. Yet gradually I found myself drawn to a different kind of expression — the silent dialogue between form and space through drawing, painting and sculpting. My passion for art deepened as I pursued education in various art schools where I honed my skills and explored various mediums and techniques. However, it was the ability to convey emotions and narratives through my work that truly captivated me and led me to pursue a career as a professional artist.

Growing up amid the bustling vibrancy of the hospitality industry, I became an unwitting observer of human interaction and its delicate dance of emotions. This has led to silence and chosen solitude becoming central themes in my paintings, reflecting the introspective nature of my observations. Each contour of my elongated, nude figures carries a fragment of those countless narratives.
In the emptiness of abandoned spaces, stripped of any noise and distraction, I try to capture the essence of life itself.
I employ a multi-layered approach to create depth and structure in my work. Acrylics serve as my initial medium to lay the foundation. Additionally, I incorporate silica powder and paper, strategically appplied to certain areas to create subtle variations in texture and tone. But it is the addition of oil paint that truly brings my paintings to life. Throughout this process, I carefully hide snippets of text, relevant to the work, in between the layers.

These snippets, as well as the open windows or doorways in my work are subtle yet significant details, inviting the viewer to journey deeper into the narrative of the painting.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Alan Bamberger’s “Art Business” and “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri stand out as two influential works that have significantly shaped my journey as an artist.

Bamberger’s expertise in the art market, coupled with his emphasis on professionalism, ethics, and strategic planning, has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to manage my artistic career effectively. Through his teachings, I have gained a deeper understanding of key aspects of the art business, such as marketing, pricing, negotiation, and building relationships with galleries and collectors.

On the other hand, “The Art Spirit” by Robert Henri has had a profound impact on my artistic and creative outlook. Henri’s timeless teachings delve into the philosophical aspects of artistry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, passion, and creative freedom in the artistic process. His philosophy always encouraged me to trust my instincts, embrace my unique vision, and remain true to my artistic voice, even in the face of external pressures or expectations.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

From a young age, I felt the tug of creativity beckoning me towards a path less traveled. However, as the fourth generation of a well-established family business, the weight of tradition hung heavy upon my shoulders. At the age of fourteen, I took matters into my own hands.
Every weekend, upon returning from the regimented routine of boarding school, I started attending extra art classes as a compromise. And as I grew older, I continued to carve out space for my passion, negotiating with my parents for the opportunity to attend evening classes in art colleges while running the family business alongside my sister.
Slowly but surely, my resilience bore fruit. With each passing year, I grew more adept, more assured in my abilities. I found myself winning prizes and accolades and my work caught the attention of curators, earning me opportunities to showcase my art in various exhibitions.
For years, I maintained this delicate balance, sacrificing every spare moment to focus on my creativity. But as the pressure mounted and the demands of my double life took their toll, my body rebelled. Cancer became a harsh wake-up call – a stark reminder of the importance of following my heart and living authentically without regret.
At that moment, my husband and I made the bold decision to leave the comforts of home behind and pursue my dream with unwavering determination.
From the pristine landscapes of South Africa to the rugged countryside of Spain, we travelled across continents in search of self-discovery and artistic fulfilment. It was a journey full of challenges and obstacles, but we persevered and eventually discovered a sanctuary of space and silence amid the rolling hills of Andalusia where we built our studio.
Here I continue to pursue my passion and as I reflect on how far I have come, I am reminded that resilience, determination and perseverance are the cornerstones of success in any endeavour.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.marleenpauwels.com
• Instagram: @marleenzefizanart
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/marpauwels
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marleen-pauwels-285a0650/
• Other: www.zefizan.com @zefizan www.facebook.com/zefizan

Image Credits
Studio images and artwork photos taken by me. Pictures of me taken by Kris Heyse.