Three questions to Muriel Evangelista
Muriel Evangelista dedicated seven years to studying at the Beaux-Arts in Paris, immersing herself in various workshops focused on drawing, painting, and modeling. This period significantly shaped her life, instilling a sense of harmony and serenity that fostered her creativity. Despite life's changes, relocations, and the necessity to earn a living, Muriel has consistently integrated creativity and aesthetics into all her endeavors.
Muriel primarily works with acrylics and pigments. While she often paints figurative subjects, she occasionally ventures into abstraction. Even in her abstract works, there is a lingering hint of recognizable forms. During these moments, her brushstrokes become more dynamic and expressive, using color to convey her emotions and guide the viewer's experience.
When focusing on pure figuration, Muriel prefers to use black and white to avoid the emotional influence that color can bring. This approach allows viewers to interpret the work through their own sensibilities and poetic lens.
Currently, Muriel paints in her studio in La Rochelle and co-runs an art gallery at the 17 rue du Minage also in La Rochelle, with the artist Laurent Mohn.
How do you decide where to start and when to stop?
I start with an abstract sketch to establish the overall composition, providing a flexible structure. Then, my intuition guides the addition of textures and contrasts, allowing for unexpected elements to shape my creation. I consider a work complete when every element is in harmony and the whole conveys the intended emotion.
How does your art influence other areas of your life?
My artistic practice deeply influences my daily life, teaching me patience, keen observation, and appreciation for details. It helps me to be present, to perceive the beauty in ordinary moments, and to approach challenges with creativity. Sharing my work also enriches my interpersonal relationships by fostering empathy and open-mindedness.
How important is the opinion of others for your work?
Although painting is an intimate expression of my emotions and reflections, external feedback provides new perspectives. These opinions encourage me to evolve and deepen my practice. Thus, the balance between personal expression and listening to feedback is essential for harmonious artistic growth.
Our top selection of Muriel's works
