Artist based in Paris, France
Sophie-Yen Bretez, portrait of the artist
Tell us about yourself, what's your background?
I was born in Vietnam and adopted by French parents at the age of 4. I grew up by the sea on the west coast of France. When I arrived in France, I was immediately drawn to all things creative and manual. I enjoyed copying Alphonse Mucha's drawings and reproducing Van Gogh's paintings. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in my studio. But as the years went by, being a good student, I followed a traditional academic path and stopped creating to concentrate on a preparatory course to enter a French Business School to take a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship because I had the idea of starting my own fashion company.
Time is the seas’ expanse. Time, it is all in one. And in its womb, - the sun abundance. 120x160cm, oil on linen, 2024
But I didn't, because I turned to the creative industries, particularly the communications agency sector. In 2021, I decided to take up painting and drawing again as a hobby. I never woke up one morning and said I'm going to be an artist. At first it was just a hobby, then I became one through luck and opportunity (and work). Since 2023, I've been lucky enough to be a full-time painter, and I realize how lucky I am. I've only known for a few months that I want to be an artist, because I've proven to myself over the last few months that I can be one. It's funny how the brain works, isn't it?
(detail) Time is the seas’ expanse. Time, it is all in one. And in its womb, - the sun abundance. 120x160cm, oil on linen, 2024
"I've been working on new sketches throughout the summer. They're part of a desire to free myself further, to allow myself to try, to step outside my own field of possibility."
(detail) Time is the seas’ expanse. Time, it is all in one. And in its womb, - the sun abundance. 120x160cm, oil on linen, 2024
What are you currently working on and where did the inspiration for it come from?
Right now I'm in a period of creative rest and reset, preparing my next exhibitions for 2024 and 2025. I want to further develop my narrative and visual composition. To that end, I've been working on new sketches throughout the summer. They're part of a desire to free myself further, to allow myself to try, to step outside my own field of possibility. I'm also going through a pink and blue period that I want to explore further. This dynamic stems from an emotional shift I've been going through for the past month, and the demands I place on my work, fueled by constant self-criticism. So it wasn't so much an inspiration that set me in motion, but rather this demand on myself and my current emotional state.
(detail) Time is the seas’ expanse. Time, it is all in one. And in its womb, - the sun abundance. 120x160cm, oil on linen, 2024
Studio view
Innovation does not only happen in the field of technology — it occurs everyday in a creative practice. What do you do for inspiration?
For me, inspiration is both innate and acquired:
- Innate, because inspiration is a primal ability in the present moment to think / create / make analogies / solve problems...etc.
- Acquired, because this primary ability can be worked on over time, like a muscle. I do this by opening my eyes and heart to the experiences of the world, by reanalyzing my own past in poetic, political and philosophical ways, and by simply living. I let my emotional states of the moment flow through me and let my capacity for analogy do the work (by thinking of such and such a book, such and such a personal event, such and such a movie character, such and such a flower, such and such a color...). In short, I collect all the elements I need for my work in my mental library. And when inspiration knocks on my door, I'm ready to pull out my references.
(detail) Time is the seas’ expanse. Time, it is all in one. And in its womb, - the sun abundance. 120x160cm, oil on linen, 2024
Writing the poem directly behind the painting when dried, 2024
Describe your practice and process. Where do ideas start for you? In the studio or being in the world?
My work is based on both visual and written narrative, as the titles of my works are poems. For my first works, I wrote the poems first and then moved on to painting. The poems guided my visual production. Since 2024, it's the other way around, because I have the image in mind first, and I prefer the words to be constrained by the image rather than the other way around. My ideas come mostly when I'm not in a heavy production period with short deadlines. So I'm more inspired when I'm not in my studio, because I only paint in my studio. I do most of my drawing and writing in my apartment.
Study on paper, 2024
How do you make your work, does it start with a sketch?
My work is now based on digital sketches, which allow me to study on a deeper level graphic and chromatic composition. I sometimes go back to sketching on paper when I have a carnal need to get back to pencil and paper, but that is rare. I'd say my style is dream-like and surreal, with vibrant, pop colors. I didn't really think about the style in the beginning. It came naturally and was influenced by themes that have long obsessed me: the dialectic of inner/outer space, the ambivalence of life, the poetics of space, the feminine...
Study on paper, 2024
Many artists live by their routines, do you have your own rituals inside and outside of the studio? What does that look like for you?
I'm not a morning person, so I often go to my studio in the early afternoon and can stay until late at night. But when I have a big rush of work, I go to my workshop from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week. It depends on my schedule.
Oh time! With clear, wandering flow,
Within thy wave the sun whispers low
And tell my soul-searching eyes
Close to the sea the truth lies.
- And in the middle runs a river.
120x170cm, oil on linen, 2023
It's impossible not to listen to music while painting. It's one of my daily pleasures. Depending on my mood, I can listen to soul, RnB, pop or rap. As a result, I have a record listening time on Spotify.
I take 2 coffee breaks in a day to breathe and a few cakes to keep me going. The truth is I don't really have a routine - it's part of my job as an artist and there are always twists and turns!
Working on large size canvas
Are there books or films that are an important source of inspiration?
Literature plays an important role in my work. I often include a book in my work whose theme resonates with the narrative of my painting. Albert Camus has accompanied me throughout my young life and my artistic career, as well as Pablo Neruda, Maya Angelou, Marguerite Duras, Rainer Maria Rilke, Christophe Bobin, Aragon... I could name so many. Their poetry continues to shape and inspire mine.
Text from Tipasa - Albert Camus. Writer who influenced me the most
How will Innovate Grant contribute to your practice?
It will participate in buying new art supplies (especially a linen canvas roll) for my next body of work. This also encourages me a lot. Thank you for awarding me this Innovate Grant!
"Powerful, despite it all" Solo show, JD Malat Gallery, London, 2023
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
To keep on painting, regardless of doubts and anything else that might get in your way or discourage you. To trust in the process and most of all in yourself.
What is the best advice you would give to other artists?
Be better than you were yesterday
Portrait of the artist
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