Loes van Delft, from art school to exhibiting her work with Banksy and D*Face

Words: Margherita Pincioni / margherita_pincioni

The award-winning young artist Loes van Delft / loesvandelft is conquering the art world. Her works are becoming a huge investment for contemporary art collectors. “I would like to bring fun, happiness and color into people’s lives”. Loes van Delft's paintings combine innocent weirdness and a cheeky cartoon atmosphere. The characters are captivating, charming and incredibly lively. She told us a lot of interesting things. 

Where did you start, How did your passion for cartoons come about?

My father was a friend of Andy Warhol back in the days. He met the icon in New York. Bob Colacello, Andy Warhol's Right-Hand man, invited my father for a party in The Factory. My dad used to be a model and steward for KLM and Bob was one of the passengers. So cool. He went, and the rest is history. They did hang out together and they really enjoyed it. I loved, and still love, listening to all these stories. This must have been such a crazy cool time. So different from what's going on right now in this weird world. My dad used to take me to museums when I was young and we talked about art a lot. He wanted to be an artist when he was young but his parents didn't let him. So he is stimulating me to follow my dream. 

I went to the art academy after I graduated from High School when I was 18 or 19 I think, and studied art for 4 (way too long) years. I learned a lot, especially what I did NOT want to do in my further life and possible career. My expectations were so much different than reality. I thought, art school, free spirits, free minds and freedom. Like in the movies, white big high walls and high windows. A really old school building where each student has their own painting room. But there were so many rules, teachers were not open-minded, kids in the class were rude and stupid to me. Almost everything there was the opposite as I wished for, ha ha. It was honestly pretty much a nightmare. I didn't feel comfortable at that place at all. But I created my own self taught character Pjipje which saved me through these hard years. I would like to add that I think art is in the person itself, not in the study. You can't really 'learn' or 'teach' creativity. Creativity is such a pure thing, you have to feel it at the deepest part of your soul. I strongly believe there is no way to teach it. If it's not there, it's not there. However, you can learn how to work with different techniques, but like Einstein said: Imagination is more important than knowledge. 

You won the Best Global Artist Award Amsterdam International Art Fair 2012, did this have an influence on your art journey? 

Incredible, isn't it? I was so young. I never expected I would win such a huge prize at the stage I was in at that moment. But life is full of surprises. I am not sure the price had an influence on my art journey. Yes and no. Look. One way or another, galleries always look to your CV. What you've done, who you worked with, what you achieved. Winning the first price in an art contest is just a huge thing. So I think in that perspective it quite helped me get closer to my further goals. Also, art collectors love when you succeed in the artistic world. I think it's quite overrated in this time. That an artist or a person has to be successful. If the art is beautiful, and the artist is happy, why would you want more? Nowadays people only look how many likes you get on Instagram. But if one artist gets 10.000 likes, does that mean he's better or more successful than another? However - I must admit that Social Media has a big influence on my 'success'. I sell paintings all over the world in places where I haven't even been myself! So it has a bit of two sides, I guess.

Who is Pjipje, what are its characteristics?

I think every artist paints what he is. You just put a part of your soul in each creation. Pjipje is my self taught character. I developed him myself organically. I never really had the intention to create something that would be my trademark. It was just there, like a magic moment. I've never really had friends so I made my own world. It was always in my head, but when I drew it on paper or on canvas, the fantasy from my head became in some way a bit of 'reality'. I've always been into cartoons and Disney films anyway. This world is way too dark, too serious and too boring. So why would you paint a landscape with some cows chilling in the grass? I think every adult still has a child in him. And I would like to bring fun, happiness and colour in people's lives. Not a heavy underlying message behind art. Just fun. Happiness is my message (most of the time). 

How did it feel to see your work near Banksy, Mr Brainwash, Blek Le Rat, D*Face? 

It's sick. When I was invited by that group show at 3 Punts Galeria in Barcelona (that gallery is a very established and big key player in the market itself), I was really at the beginning of my art career. It was really at an early stage. To be invited by this great gallery by these huge names was just incredible. I can't even find the right words how I felt. I mean, Banksy is one of the most famous and well known artists nowadays with over 10 Million followers on Instagram. I am also a huge fan of D*Face. I have some of his art prints in my private collection as well. This show was very good for my name. I got to know new art collectors and a new market. It was just great.

Your work was also published on Playboy NL, tell us how it went. 

We all know I am very active on Social Media. I think it's super important for an artist and part of the job. You can create very beautiful artworks, but if no one ever sees it... that's just not what you want. With one click, you can share your art and process with the entire world. I also think, people love to see the life of the artist, not only the art itself. How does the artist's life look like, how does he paint, what's the artist interested in besides art? You can just share everything you want and show a part of your life to the world, create your own platform. So it got noticed by the Dutch Playboy. They did an interview and a photoshoot with me (no, not naked, and yes, including one of my paintings). Art is so appreciated in this time. In the past, it were traditional state portraits painted by 'old' men with grey hair. That stereotype is not more. Yes, also a young brunette can be an artist ;-) It get noticed everywhere and I see people really support passion. Whatever it is, artist, singer, no matter what kind of passion. 

What is the soundtrack you recommend to listen while viewing your works?

Music is very important for your mood. Especially for an artist. I am very very sensitive and when I listen to a song, it really influences my mood. Also, I am working on a new sculpture at the moment which will most likely be released coming December. It was a bit of a tragic story, but I think the best art comes out of pain (or at least, pure, deep emotions). I was a broken hearted girl and I made a special playlist where I used to listen to when I was working on the sculpture. Some of the songs were "I Can't Make You Love Me" - Matt Cardle. The title immediately gives away the inspiration for my sculpture, ha ha. I just need to have a connection with music when I create. Also, "Run Away" from French artist Tom Leeb is one of my favourite songs of the moment. I feel very connected to the lyrics and the feel of the song. Sometimes I make a drawing or painting with lyrics in the background. Music simply inspires. Everything is energy.

On the social level you are always very active, you tell stories about yourself and involve the people who follow you really well and with great enthusiasm. How do you report to the real audience and how much harder is it to manage?

I noticed people aren't only interested in the work I create. They also want to know the reason WHY I paint it, how I paint it, how my days look like. And I love to share my life with the world. Interaction is very important. Without my 'fans', I would be nowhere. I get a lot of respect and support from them, and I want to give them love back. 

What do you think attracts so much of your style and stories? 

I think Pjipje is very original and refreshing. A lot of people are painting Marilyn Monroe. It's done in so many styles. Pjipje has that special look. A lot of people also feel connected to the character. It doesn't always tell a story, but it gives a feeling. Also, it's not really street,comic or pop art. I always add a female touch with light and soft colours and a lot of thin quirky lines. 

How did you experience the lockdown period, even in relation to your work?

I must say as an artist I always lock myself up in my studio, so that part hasn't changed for me. But unfortunately a lot of shows were cancelled. I was invited by Art Central Hong Kong this year. It would be the biggest show I would have joined. Art Miami is also cancelled due to Covid. It's sad, but it will come on a later moment. I just work hard on my coming shows in Europe in meantime. However, the funny thing is that people are sitting at home and redecorating their houses and buying more art! So that is working good for me! 

What are you working on at the moment?

My new sculpture and new art works for my show in Knokke (Belgium) coming December!

Last, but not least, where do you eat your favorite french fries?

This is a no brainer. Hotel Costes. I love Paris, but when I'm there, I always have to go there. One of my favourite places in the world!!!!!