Yolan Eke

What were some of your earliest experiences with art?
I can’t remember a time I wasn’t making art in one form nor another. In my mid twenties my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer, I found it a way to express my feelings, when she died a few years later I continued for a while and then moved into interior design.

What does expressionism mean to you?
While my art is influenced by expressionism and Impressionism my personal artistic style is constantly evolving and I prefer no labels. I love that art allows me
to interpret subjects freely and express them as I see
or feel them. The freedom to explore and create without limits is what makes art so compelling to me.

How do you incorporate its principles into your work?
I embrace natural imperfections and fluidity in my work,
steering away from rigid lines and perfect symmetry.
I prefer to reflect unpredictable forms found in the natural world, in aging architecture or vintage tiles for example.
I want to invite viewers to appreciate the authenticity
and allure of the imperfect.

What inspired your move to Spain in 2018?
We wanted to fully immerse our family in a new culture
and have meaningful experiences so we sold everything, engaged in voluntary work and explored Spain daily.
Lived the dream!! 

Can you describe a specific moment in Spain that reignited your passion for painting?
Even though from the moment I arrived in Spain
my senses were in overdrive constantly from the
beauty. The specific moment I felt compelled to put
my expression to canvas was when I was in an antique market in Paris. I stumbled across a small floral
artwork that I now own and it just spoke to me. It was
in that moment I knew painting was something that
I needed to do again and incorporate all these sensory experiences into my art.

What aspects of the landscapes, architecture, and
culture in Spain captivated you the most?
What’s not to love about Spain!!

Living near both the coast and mountains fueled my
drive to recreate the striking landscapes etched in my mind. There’s  such a vibrant energy I felt living in
Spain that I constantly strive to capture in my work the
rugged landscape that Southern Spain in known for, the mountains the sea, the Andalucían region being so heavily influenced by Moroccan architecture. Now when I paint my Mediterranean and Moroccan pieces I don’t usually use a photo for reference it’s all in my memory or at least how
I remember it, the feelings it evoked.

What led you to prefer using a palette knife over traditional brushes for your paintings?
The unique texture and expressive qualities it lends to
my artwork. It allows me to create bold, impasto strokes that add depth and movement to my compositions,
which enhances the tactile and three-dimensional
aspects of my work.

However, I have also found a new appreciation for using brushes, particularly for their ability to apply large gestural strokes. I feel combining the two has enriched my artistic process, capturing energy and emotion in a direct and impactful way.

How do light, texture play into your work?
They influence both the visual impact and emotional
depth of my work. They enhance my compositions by engaging viewers visually and inviting them to explore tactile details, conveying the essence of my work with depth and movement.

How do you choose your colour palette for each piece?
Unless I’m working on a commission piece that specifies
a certain colour palette my colour choice is an emotional response to how I feel on the day. I intuitively adjust the colors to better capture the mood and essence of the artwork, ensuring that the palette harmonizes with the emotions I aim to convey.

How has your background in interior design shaped your
approach to painting? 
This crossover between interior design and painting continues to inform my creative process. I love a unique space brought together over time and travel, though I

believe it’s important to have a cohesive look, why
be boring? Bring in the unexpected. Emphasis free, spontaneous, and personal emotional expression
in design.

How does your current environment in the Gold Coast hinterland inspire your work compared to your experiences in Spain and New Zealand?
In Australia, I’m naturally drawn to nature, but in Spain, I found myself equally captivated by both its natural beauty and ancient architecture. Now, I feel the urge to delve deeper into history right here at home.

How has your time away from Australia influenced your
appreciation for its natural beauty upon your return?
I came back with such a new sense of appreciation for this country. I don’t think I ever see a subject in the same way
a second time. I’m always looking for a new approach or
I notice new aspects of a familiar sight.

Who are some of the artists that have inspired you along your journey? I could be here all day!!! So I’ll just say one.
My all time favourite is Renoir. Not only his work but what he said,

“Why shouldn’t art be pretty? There are enough unpleasant things in the world.” and “Art is about
emotion; if art needs to be explained it is no longer art.”

Looking back on your journey, what advice would you
give to your younger self?
Find your “voice“ through practice, don’t be afraid and don’t let anyone tell you what you should paint, oh and don’t stop!!