Meeting with the painter artist Marion Chesnais

Can you tell us about your creative world and your journey?

I mainly work with oil painting on canvas. But I love experimenting with other mediums like pastels, ink… anything that allows me to develop my work around color, which is omnipresent in my pieces. What I prefer are (very) large formats, or tiny ones! I wear two hats: I am a doctor and, alongside that, I am a painter. It’s the perfect balance!

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

Clarisse contacted me after seeing one of my paintings at a mutual friend’s house. She immediately told me about her travels, especially to Colombia, which had left a strong impression on her. She wanted me to draw inspiration from the nature and culture of the country, its colors, and architecture to create a print! It was a bit of a challenge because I’ve never been to Colombia! So she sent me her travel photos, and I tried to create a blend between this country and my personal universe.

What is your creative process?

At the beginning, I need to work on paper or on a canvas, no matter what. So I first created a small painting, going back and forth with Clarisse to stay true to the initial inspiration. Afterwards, we worked with an illustrator to transfer my creation into a print.

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

Tough question! Honestly, I think I draw inspiration from everywhere... music, travel, life! I also look at a lot of other artists! My favorites—there's a long list! Among the masters, Picasso is the most fascinating to me. I love everything Pierre Boncompain does. For younger artists, I adore Camilla Engström and Camille Chastang.

What is your favorite work of yours?

Maybe the diptych I created for my first solo exhibition at the Larock Granoff Gallery last June. Or the next one, I hope?!

What’s currently going on with you?

I’m finalizing a large commission in the studio. I’m very lucky because I’ve had quite a few commissions in recent months. I’m also developing a project with paper ceiling lights. I love this new format, and the result is warm. I had the chance to have a solo show in Paris last June (Galerie Larock Granoff), and now I need time to work on the next one... finding the theme, the atmosphere, the colors... I hope to present something by the end of the year! And of course, my current news is my pregnancy, as I’m expecting my third child in the spring!

Your next vacation destination?

Corsica this summer with the same group of friends from last summer, and our daughter joining us this time! I can't wait to be there! Also, the Île d’Yeu, where I spend a lot of time every year since my youth.

Your favorite place to recharge?

My studio is the best decompression zone for me. Once I’m there, I don’t think of anything other than painting; time stands still. It’s the secret to my personal balance!