Discover the contemporary work of ILDA

My name is Mélanie Dehez. Ilda is an old nickname. I am a self-taught painter and illustrator.
I live in Bégaar, a small village near Dax.
 
I have been drawing since I was little and I started painting at the age of sixteen. I grew up in the Landes. My playgrounds were the forest, the ocean, the Pyrenees, not to mention the basketball courts. Concerning my post-baccalaureate choice, I hesitated for a long time between a school of applied arts and a sports faculty. Needing movement at that time, I moved towards sport and then towards physiotherapy. I obtained my diploma after three years spent in Brussels.

I worked as a physiotherapist for thirteen years. The need to draw and paint has never left me. On the contrary, it has only increased over the years. I ended my paramedical career in August 2021 to devote myself entirely to art.
These years spent in intimate contact with a whole bunch of patients, in a bunch of different places have taught me to feel and truly connect with people, with places. A very rich experience in teaching for me.

This part of my life is totally present today in my paintings.
Nature inspires me, music inspires me. Both guide me clearly.
I like simplicity, fluidity, colors, contrasts, all combined with a certain depth.
The omnipresent eye symbolizes benevolence, gentleness, curiosity, clairvoyance, free will.