Meeting with Caroline Derveaux

Meeting with Caroline Derveaux

Can you introduce us to your creative universe and your background?

My work revolves mainly around painting on canvas and frescoes. I create large areas of colorful paint that aim to evoke emotions for viewers. I try to create multidimensional perspectives with abstract translations to generate emotions.

What was your initial brief for imagining your print for Gili's, and how did you interpret it?

What I really liked about the project Clarisse proposed to me was interpreting her vacation memories. Just like Claire Prouvost, Clarisse sent me a series of photos from her honeymoon trip to Bali. After conducting some research which resulted in an initial rich version, Clarisse and I decided to simplify the print.

In the final version, you can see hints of the pagoda and the drum, which are inspired by Balinese culture. There is also a shape resembling an eye in the form of a wave, representing Clarisse's eye makeup during her Indonesian wedding.

The rest of the print reflects the ambiance I felt when looking at the photos! In my daily work, whether it's on canvas or murals, I strive to create abstract interpretations and include subtle hints to allow viewers to freely interpret, as seen in this print.

What is your creative process?

We exchanged a lot with Clarisse because she had a fairly clear idea of what she wanted in terms of textile design. Then, when it's a digital request, I like to work with tools that are different from my studio life, where I use brushes, so it was really important to achieve the right balance and harmony.

The process was really enjoyable, and in the end, we arrived at a beautiful result. Your universe is rich and colorful, where do you draw your inspirations from? It's hard to answer that in a few words, as I draw inspiration from everywhere, all the time, since forever! It could be from certain trips I've taken to Mexico, my childhood memories, the stories I read or hear, the scents, and the women who inspire me greatly. It's quite diverse!

Your universe is rich and colorful, where do you draw your inspirations from?

It's hard to answer that in a few words, as I draw inspiration from everywhere, all the time, since forever! It could be from certain trips I've taken to Mexico, my childhood memories, the stories I read or hear, the scents, and the women who inspire me greatly. It's quite diverse!

What is your favorite creation?

I have a soft spot for the triptych I painted when I moved to France in 2020. It opened a new aesthetic page in my work and brought a new level of rigor as I started expressing myself more on canvas in a more intimate way.

This triptych is displayed in my living room and is not for sale at all. These three paintings, which I call my "talismanic works," are extremely dear to me. I don't really have any favorites other than these three works, as all the others are complementary, given that I have a diverse body of work.

What's your latest news?  

Right now, I am participating in two group exhibitions. One is called "Urbaine, Street Art" in Brest, which runs until April 1st, at the Comedia art gallery. I am also part of the exhibition "Nouveau(x) Regard(s)" from February 9th to March 31st, with my agency Studio Artera, alongside Mathias Bensimon and Itchi, at the Town Hall of the 10th arrondissement of Paris. I am presenting large-scale digital works there. The largest painting I have created, measuring 10 meters in height, is displayed at the top of the majestic staircase of the town hall. There is also a new creation of a folding screen installation, and a commissioned glass decal artwork by the City of Paris.

What's your next vacation destination? ?

As I am pregnant with twins, I won't be able to travel far this year! Also, at this stage of my life, I don't feel like going too far as I have already traveled a lot. My next vacation destination will probably be Normandy to visit my mom, or Brittany to enjoy the French landscape and most importantly, spend time with my family. Nothing exotic!

Your favorite place to recharge?

There are many places that I love, such as Berlin, Paris, London, Mexico, and Morocco, but I can't answer with a distant destination because I am also very happy to be at home.

After years of traveling, coming back to France and settling down in the beautiful city of Saint-Ouen, where I have an apartment and a studio, where I can create and put on canvas everything I want to say and express, is really my current destination.

My current destination is being with my family, at home. It's not exotic at all, but it makes me travel to be in that moment.

Rather one-piece or two-piece? ? 


Back in the day, I was even more inclined towards a one-piece swimsuit... but with a cutout at the bottom! But now I actually appreciate one-piece swimsuits that cover the whole body. In any case, I really want to try the Isaure one-piece swimsuit from my collaboration with Gili's!

 In your family, are you more mix or match?

I feel like we're more on the "match" side with my partner and my son. We tend to dress in bright and light colors, so often we dress independently and then realize that we're dressed similarly.

Portrait of Caroline Derveaux ©Pierre-Emmanuel Testard