IN THE STUDIO WITH ARTIST EVE DE HAAN

London-based artist Eve De Haan has worn many creative hats from writer to illustrator, interior designer and multimedia artist. Her current works feature quirky sayings and single words lit up in colourful neon lights, and they make statements about contemporary society. We sat down with her to learn more about her message and methods, as well as her artistic career.

 

Hi Eve, can you tell us a little bit about your background? Were you always super creative even from a young age?

 

I come from a humongous family, who have always encouraged individuality and creativity. I can’t say if I was super creative or not, I can just remember always wanted paint on everything.

 

Did your family support your decision to make a career out of art?

 

My family have always been supportive and encouraging. They’re big believers in hard work, so they will be happy with me as long as I am working hard. I recon I still have a bit to go before I’ve fully persuaded everyone that art can be my career.

 

What were some of the challenges you faced in the beginning when you were just starting out as an artist?

 

I think the hardest challenge was taking the leap. Revealing something you have created can be really challenging, you open up space for people to be able to criticise something that you have made. But do you know what, the more I do it the less I worry.

Another challenge is not knowing fully how to get my art out there. I think trial and error is the only way.

 

You wrote, illustrated and self-published a children’s book. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

 

I really wanted to try as many different creative mediums when I left university. I remember the first book I wrote was about a little mixed-race girl who saves the world with her hair. When I look back when I was younger, I don’t remember there being that many books about mixed race girls. I thought writing one could make a small difference. After that I made a book about a flying dog. A light-hearted tale of a yoga loving dog that learns to fly with a pair of knickers.

 

Your current collection consists of neon light artworks. Why neon lights?

 

I have to take a picture every time I see a neon. I have always loved it. I think the power of neon is that it can transform a word or a statement into something else. Neon can accentuate how there are gradients and shades of meaning within a statement. For me light adds shade to the meaning of a statement.

 

How do you choose the words and statements for each piece, and what are some of the messages behind them?

 

When I was younger I was always wanting tattoos. My mum gave me some great advice, she said ‘write down what you want to tattoo on yourself, stick it on your wall and live with it, if you still like it after a month then get it done. (Thankfully mum saved me from a long list of awful tattoos). I use this method with my art.

I write down words I think can work for a neon and put it on a notepad. (I know old fashioned, but I don’t like using my phone when I’m trying to create) I live with it for a couple of days or weeks, and If after this time it still makes me smile, then that’s when I start working on actualizing it into a piece of work.

Through my latest work, I have been trying to reflect on the imposing nature of technology on youth culture within society today.

 

What do you hope people take away from your pieces?

 

I hope most of all, a chuckle.

 

How do you market your artwork and yourself as an artist?

 

Mainly through Instagram, and through the galleries I have been lucky enough to exhibit in.

 

If there was one area of your business you would improve on, what would that be?

 

I think I need to work on being able to approach people about my work.

 

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists looking to turn their passion into a career?

 

I say go for it, you can only try, and after you’ve tried you can only try again. I think being able to express yourself through art is one of the most liberating joyous things, you won’t know if you will be able to make, making art into a career without trying. So, give it a try.

 

We love shining the spotlight on inspiring creative women like yourself. Can you tell us about another female creative entrepreneur in your community who inspires you?

 

I love Romily Alice’s work. She makes beautiful neons. Her work is original and once you’ve seen her stuff you won’t be able to forget it.

 

Check out Eve De Haan’s work and please show your support!

www.halfaroastchicken.com
www.instagram.com/halfaroastchicken
www.facebook.com/halfaraostchicken

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