Aliette ... France

Artist: Aliette de Saint-Léger
Business: Aliette
Website: aliette.etsy.com
Location: Paris, France

What do you create?
Mixed media paintings.

Where and when do you do your creative work?
At home (in the south of Paris, near Montparnasse) whenever I find time to do that.




Do you have another "day job"?
I work as a freelance graphic designer mainly for animation studios in Paris and London.

Where and what did you study?
I've studied animation and audiovisual techniques at University of Strasbourg in France.

What inspires you and what motivates you?
Everything around inspires me – mostly insignificant details, nature, people, textures, art, fabrics, photos, whatever can catch my eye...




When did you start doing this?
My painting has become more serious in the 4-5 past years. I started this series of paintings a few months ago.

Do you remember getting into art as a kid?
I was always very interested by art, but I've stayed a long time as an observer before commiting anything.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I've started to think about selling my arts only a couple of weeks ago when I realized that people were interested in what I was making.

What do you love most about creating your work?
I love chance, fate, everything that comes and wasn't expected.




What's the most fascinating place you've been?
I guess it's my mummy's tummy but I can't really remember... I've traveled a lot in Europe, I love London where I often work; I spend a lot of time in the Eurostar (the train between Paris and London). I've been as well in Canada, Montreal is an amazing town. I really like the atmosphere in this place, busy and relaxed in the same time.

Which area of Paris is its best-kept secret?
I used to live in an area called "La butte aux Cailles" in the 13th [arrondissement], it's a very cute area that has kept the atmosphere of the "old Paris" with little paved streets. There are a lot of artists' studios, little shops and friendly pubs. It's not a touristic area, just a place where you really feel peaceful.

A book you love:
Prevert's Paroles (French poetry)

What is the most interesting thing about you?
It's not that I don't want to answer this question but I really don't have any idea of that! Maybe I should ask around me... no idea either... I'm offended, there is maybe nothing so interesting about me!




What achievement are you most proud of?
A very fresh achievement that is sort of artistic: my two wonderful children, 3 and 1 years old, they are more fascinating to me than everything I can create!

What advice would you give women starting their own business?
Be honest, don't think business when you create, but communicate about your work.

What's the biggest challenge you face in your work?
The every day challenge for me is to always be enthusiastic, self confident and have a fresh eye on what I do.




What do you love to do in your free time?
Spend time with my family, walks in the street of Paris looking around...

What are you working on right now?
I'm finishing a first series of paintings, I'm preparing a new one.

What do you hope to achieve next?
I have a project of a children's book with a friend that I would love to concretize very soon.