Artist Iris Bavelaar

Iris Bavelaar (31) has the best of both worlds: a steady job and her own business.

“I currently work part-time as a designer for Nachtlab Agency, an experiential agency in Amsterdam. On the other days I take on freelance graphic projects and I paint. I love being able to express my creativity both at the laptop and on canvas, and I feel I have finally found the perfect balance in it. This way I have colleagues, a regular team, to work with and learn from, as well as time on my own to do entirely my own thing.”

What exactly is your own thing?

“I have a studio within walking distance of my home in Amsterdam, where I go a few days a week to paint. I sell my paintings through Instagram, exhibitions and, recently, through a gallery (Art Umbria). I am also thinking of holding an open studio day soon.”

What sort of things do you paint?

“I paint abstract geometric compositions. I am fascinated by the way geometric compositions can convey emotional expression. My paintings are often inspired by psychological processes. I always begin with a combination of elements that are asymmetrical and seem out of balance. Within that ‘wrongness’, I look for a way to restore the balance of the painting as a whole.”

How long have you been doing this?

“I have been drawing for as long as I can hold a pencil. One of my first experiences in graphic work was at Babassu, seven years ago, during a placement as part of my bachelor’s degree. I was able to help shape Babassu’s new visual identity and, working with the designer, created the current logo and the illustrations, among other things. Together with Heidi, I made choices about the new colours, packaging and so on. A really enjoyable process, and something I have gone on to do for various brands since.”

Where do you find your inspiration?

“I can walk for hours, just looking around me. I photograph shapes and colours that inspire me and collect them. I am also easily inspired by writing that makes me think. I often go through phases where I become completely absorbed in a particular subject, and you can usually see that come through in my work later on. And finally: drawing, drawing, drawing.”

What is your favourite beauty product?

“Hair oil and hair fragrance. I use the Thermal Protection Spray by Phillip B almost every day. Mainly for the scent, really, though the protection it gives is a welcome bonus. This feature has made me realise even more how important scents actually are to me.”

What gives you energy?

“My work is my passion, so thankfully it is not hard for me to stay motivated. I draw energy from collaborating on projects, from creating something with a team. Music brings me both energy and relaxation. Few things feel as relaxing as painting while singing and dancing. My favourite way to completely unwind is still going out. And I am increasingly realising that it is good to let go completely now and then, precisely in order to feel inspired and stay motivated. Through Babassu I came across Perfect Partners by Aromatherapy Associates, a set of two shower oils. Revive gives you energy in the morning, while Deep Relax helps you leave a busy day behind in the evening.”

When you really want to let go, what else do you do besides going out?

“For me, relaxing and letting go happens in two ways. Either I want to go out, with lots of people around me, or I want peace and quiet and time to myself. When I need the latter, I like to be at home. I do a lot of yoga and enjoy reading. I love creating a relaxed atmosphere for this, and like to use scented candles and aromatherapy. So I very often have The Atomiser by Aromatherapy Associates running. This diffuser for essential oils is silent, rechargeable and portable. I also often light the Stromboli Scented Candle by Astier de Villatte, or book a treatment at Babassu.”

Do you have a favourite holiday destination?

“The ultimate way to let go is really to step away from everything and go on holiday. In January I spent another couple of weeks in Bali, and it is still the place where I find the most peace. I love the climate: the warmth, but also the rain showers, which I find wonderful. And the friendly people, the greenery and, above all, the scent. From the moment I smell that distinctive Bali scent, I often relax straight away. It is why Heidi once gave me the Baliflora perfume, and I am still absolutely delighted with it.”

Iris Bavelaar

Instagram: @irisbavelaar

irisbavelaar.com