10 Questions with Delphine Cuelenaere

After completing her master's degree in Fine Arts at LUCA School of Arts in 2013, Delphine Cuelenaere made the decision to share her deep-rooted passion for art as a full-time educator. Her academic journey encompasses not only the artistic disciplines but also a diverse range of teaching experiences, spanning from guiding children's workshops to instructing art students at Artevelde University College Ghent.

Since September 2021, Delphine can be found in her studio in Eeklo, where she not only resides but also took a pivotal turn in her artistic career by dedicating herself entirely to her own art. Alongside her artistic commitment, she teaches part-time at the art academy. Since making that decisive choice, Delphine has exhibited her creative expressions in both group and solo exhibitions. Notable highlights include her participation in the Arte Laguna Prize in Venice in March-April 2023, where she presented her work to an international audience. Additionally, Delphine has showcased her art at GRAFIEK21 in Mechelen, the Speelmanskapel in Bruges, and the XYZ Lounge at the Zebrastraat in Ghent.

Delphine Cuelenaere employs the traditional technique of woodcutting, allowing her images to gradually unfold. During a residency in TiPi Ghent, she had the opportunity to refine her layered woodcutting technique in a different environment. Her artworks illuminate the backsides of people and garden landscapes in a vibrant mix of colors.

A solo exhibition in the Rozenkranskapel in Koksijde, Belgium, is scheduled for August 2024.

delphinecuelenaere.weebly.com | @delphine.cuelenaere

ARTIST STATEMENT

Delphine Cuelenaere (1986, Eeklo) is driven by curiosity in both subject and method. She observes and is continually amazed by the shades of color and details around her. The technique of woodcarving gives her the opportunity to be surprised by the material. The wood takes on a life of its own as soon as it is cut. She is guided by the texture and mobility to choose what next steps she will take. The images are not predetermined and grow slowly. Open-minded departures from the unknown and a radical openness to not knowing what will come are the essence of her artistic process. Slowly and unpredictably, scenes emerge in which voyeur and protagonist, spectator and artist, intertwine.

The Land, oil and ink on paper, 154,6x107,5 cm, 2022 © Delphine Cuelenaere

INTERVIEW

First of all, let's start with your background and training. What is your artistic background, and how did you start experimenting with art?

As a child, I had a strong inclination towards drawing. However, when I entered secondary school, I pursued an economic/mathematical track where the artistic aspect nearly faded away. The only connection to art that remained was through my grandparents' studio. My grandmother spun her own wool, colored it, and wove artistic fabrics, designing her own clothing. Meanwhile, my grandfather predominantly painted larger portraits. The ambiance in their studio felt truly magical to me.
After completing secondary school, I aspired to study art. However, my father believed it was essential to first obtain a degree that offered job security. Upon obtaining that degree, I was granted the opportunity to further my studies. Initially, I chose to focus on painting but ultimately graduated with a master's in illustration and drawing. Subsequently, immediately after completing my art education, I seized the chance to teach full-time at the university college. This period afforded me the opportunity to experiment extensively behind the scenes with various techniques and materials.

Why are you an artist, and when did you first decide to become one?

The decision to become an artist stemmed from a pivotal moment in my life — the death of my father and the discovery of a hereditary cancer gene. It marked a transformative period where I felt compelled to pursue my dream and passion. Prior to this, I had never mustered the courage to take the leap. In agreement with the university college, I took a one-year break. After that hiatus, I chose not to return to the academic setting but instead teach two evenings a week at an art academy. This arrangement allows me the time to work in my studio every day of the week. Being an artist provides me with a profound sense of fulfillment, freedom, and a platform for expression.

Untitled, oil and ink on paper, 100x122 cm, 2022 © Delphine Cuelenaere

You spent some time teaching art full-time before fully engaging in the artist career yourself. What did you learn during this time, and what is a valuable lesson for emerging artists?

During my full-time teaching tenure, I honed my skills in analyzing visual language, delved deeper into art history, and experimented with various materials and techniques for instructional purposes. These experiences provided me with a rich set of skills and insights into the creative process.
A valuable lesson for emerging artists that I garnered from this period is the importance of following one's heart. It's crucial to draw inspiration from other artists, engage in ample experimentation before and during the artistic process, relish the act of creation, and avoid being overly preoccupied with external influences. I've come to appreciate the power of curiosity, as I've observed that curiosity serves as an intrinsic motivator, propelling artists to explore and discover within their practice.

How has your art approach changed since becoming a full-time artist? Do you find any difference in how you approach your work or its promotion?

Transitioning to a full-time artist has brought about a substantial evolution in my approach. The increased freedom to devote more time to my craft has facilitated a more profound exploration and refinement of my artistic voice. Time plays a crucial role in my creative process. I need to feel like I have an abundance of time to create. Additionally, I'm consistently mindful of the notion that time moves incredibly fast in our lives. This awareness informs my approach to the creation of my work.

Speaking of your work, you work with printing and employ a technique that is highly personal and specific. How would you define your work? And how has this definition changed over the years?

My artistic process is deliberate and gradual. The technique I employ is influenced by the nature of wood, as it takes on a life of its own once it's cut. Wood tends to splinter, not always adhering to my intentions, resulting in unexpected shapes that keep the creative process surprising for me. The images themselves come to life during the act of creation. Initially, I sketch a vague outline with ink on a wooden board. The overlapping of colors in the printing process guides me towards my next steps.
Over the years, my technique has undoubtedly evolved, and this evolution is ongoing, considering I've only been creating these images for about 2.5 years. In the beginning, my artworks predominantly featured the backs of heads. Subsequently, the compositions incorporated surroundings, and presently, the focus often shifts to the environment, with a subtle presence of people. They remain an integral part of my creations. Looking ahead, I aspire to let go even more, avoiding overthinking about my next steps or the balance in my work.

On the same note, how did you develop this way of working?

The evolution of my working style is an ongoing journey shaped by a diverse range of experiences and artistic influences. I perceive my creations more as paintings than prints, particularly because I produce only one artwork per woodcut. The continuous process of cutting further into the wood prevents the reproduction of multiple prints. Additionally, I aim to experiment with painting using this predominantly graphic technique.
My approach is characterized by a commitment to refining techniques, welcoming the unexpected, and fostering an environment where creativity can unfold organically. This dedication to embracing spontaneity and allowing my creative process to evolve naturally has been instrumental in shaping my distinctive artistic method.

Even If They're Not Here, oil and ink on paper, 107x132 cm, 2022 © Delphine Cuelenaere

In your work, you are interested in "perception and anonymity," as you mention in your statement. What does it mean? And how is it reflected in your paintings?

My fascination with "perception and anonymity" in my work revolves around the ability to silently observe without being seen. This creates a sense of curiosity towards unknown individuals, coupled with a feeling of unity. The depiction of people's backs in my paintings symbolizes both anonymity and connection. The individuals are unknown and anonymous, yet there's a shared journey in the same direction. What they are looking at remains a mystery, inviting speculation. Questions arise: What do they see? Where do they direct their gaze? Is my perspective on the world different from theirs? What is reality?
We each experience reality differently, and our perceptions are limited. Imagination has the power to enhance reality, transforming a gaze into something genuine if fueled by enough creativity.
In my work, I explore texture and color that captivate and draw my gaze, inviting me to delve deeper into an imaginary world. This sensation accompanies my perception of the world we encounter, serving as a means to confront even the weightiest of events.

How much of your personal life is reflected in your art? And where else do you draw your inspiration from?

My art serves as a reflection of my personal experiences, emotions, and observations. The significant impact of my father's death on how I perceive the world is evident in my visual work. The preciousness of time, particularly inspired by this experience, motivates me to observe the beauty around us more keenly, both in people and nature.
In our daily lives, there are often beautiful scenes if we only direct our attention to them. Adding a touch of magic and imagination turns these scenes into something enchanting and slightly absurd. I frequently ponder the existence of life after death and what lies beyond our visible realm. From this perspective, I allow the creative process to guide my work, avoiding excessive contemplation about precise details, as the nature of reality remains elusive.
While my art captures elements of my personal life, it is also influenced by the world surrounding me—nature, culture, and human interactions. My studio overlooks our garden, providing a changing view with evolving seasons, altering colors, and shifting light. The nature I observe there serves as a significant source of inspiration, as do the family travels we undertake. Nature embodies life, even if we don't always pay close attention.
This interplay of personal and external influences enriches the layers within my creations.

The Wood, oil and ink on paper, 106x154,9 cm, 2022 © Delphine Cuelenaere

Untitled, oil and ink on paper, 159.5x107 cm, 2022 © Delphine Cuelenaere

Colors also have a central role in your art, as you use many in a contrasting, almost abstract manner. What do they represent for you? Do they have any specific meaning or convey any specific message?

Color holds immense significance in my work. It serves as a crucial element, referencing my father's influence during my art education. He frequently encouraged me to embrace more color, reflecting his playful perspective on the world. In essence, color in my art becomes a tribute to my father.
The colors in my work go beyond mere visual aesthetics; they represent emotions, moods, and narratives within the artwork. The juxtaposition of colors functions as a visual language, capable of conveying messages that extend beyond literal interpretation.
The use of color is a language because it communicates something to the viewer. However, unlike a direct, verbal message, the language of color relies on the viewer's emotional and aesthetic responses to the arrangement of colors. This dynamic interaction between colors allows for a more abstract and nuanced conveyance of meaning within the artwork.

And lastly, let's talk about the future. What are you working on right now? Do you have any new projects or exhibitions you want to share with our readers?

Currently, I am working on creating pieces on a larger scale than I have done in the past two years. This endeavor is in preparation for an upcoming exhibition in a chapel with monumental walls. The exhibition presents a unique challenge, pushing me to explore new dimensions in my technique and contemplate the scale of my artworks. Scheduled to take place in August and September, the exhibition will be hosted along the Belgian coast. I am excited about this opportunity to showcase my work in such a distinctive setting and share it with a broader audience.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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