« Planchettes – Exhibition » / Hélène Bek, graphic orgy
How could you not be curious in front of such graphic proportion? Graphic enthusiast Hélène Bek from Lille intuitively uses her technic and her imaginary power. She manufactures wooden boards or any chosen element to build an incredible range that is copious and above all overflowing with generosity. Bold and daring, this illustrator draws with her Rotrings and pens with a remarkable attention to detail. “Where’s Wally? ” doesn’t even compare…
The artist of one of the Olow Planchettes meets with another art fanatic.
Hi Hélène, how’s it going ?
It’s going well.
Tell us a few words about your background and your career?
So I’m from Lille, a beautiful part of the art, illustration and tattoo world … I studied plastic arts and then did a Degree and Masters in digital creations. Then I wanted to have fun and do my internships in magazine editorial and so I worked for Shoes-Up and Graffiti Art. At the same time I was working to improve on my illustration. I worked for two years with Graffiti Magazine. I had the opportunity to see a lot of artists working in street art. Having this in my face every day gave me the urge to draw more … To create.
One wonders how this greedy and generous world takes life under your fingers. It is thorough , detailed, fine an uncluttered… Your works transpose a cult graphic orgy in a skeletal form. An interesting ambivalence. We could spend hours watching , spying and analyzing your illustrations. Is this authenticity spontaneous or is it something that is more studied and worked on?
A graphic orgy…I like that word. My drawings are very spontaneous! Of course I go from an element or a form that I like , but the rest is based on a lot of chance. That’s why I put a lot of time into completing an illustration. This is very anecdotal and every detail counts. But I ‘m not a great technician. Can I mix dots and lines to make shadows in the same drawing or completely blacken areas in some places. I guess I’m not very strict, but in the end, it has to hold together, that’s all that matters to me.
Where do you get your inspiration from, what is the key driver in the creation?
This is somewhat of a common answer, but in daily life, from emotions and music.
We can see that you are attached to carbon or ink, what do you think about digital methods?
I like to use paper. I use digital when I want to use a bit of colour in my drawings, but it does not always satisfy me. The computer is a good tool and as a graphic designer, I spend my days on it. So to take a break and find myself in front of a piece of paper does me the world of good.
Some excellent illustrations have appeared in the magazine Paulette, which has a 100% feminine target. Are you aware of that?
Yes I like that there is an exchange and everyone can benefit. Regarding the female target side, it is not my necessarily my thing! I’m not very glossy glossy ;). I have never bought the magazine, but it’s been good for me.
Hummel, Haribo , Vantis , logos, advertising boards … Your job as a graphic designer focuses on visual communication , so also in marketing : to present and promote a brand , identify, capture attention, impose an image , respect a graphic charter … Can any of these functions put you at a disadvantage any of the time? Are they an obstacle or another way of looking at your work?
A disadvantage no, I do not think so. I strike a balance between my work and my graphic illustrations. Obviously I like things clean and well composed.
We can feel how much you adore your work from your drawings , but do you have any other passions ?
I do not know if I ” adore” my job. I try to do things well . When I was a kid I wanted to design trainers or be a footballer! Haha . I hope I can live several professional lives. I also like the organization of exhibitions and discovering new talents . I would maybe end my life in a gallery around the year 2046 to look back at the work of Mode2 , Haroshi or Pat Perry, I’d like that a lot haha !
What are the essential qualities of a good graphic designer for you?
To be a good graphic designer, I think you must have good taste, control, demand and ambition.
What made you want to make an Olow planchette?
For the “Planchettes” exhibition I was not in the starting line-up. But I asked a week before if it was possible to draw for this expo and Matthieu (Olow) told me that there was maybe a wooden board still … I found the concept really nice and I rarely drawn on wood. So with a little sass, desire and a free day, I’m now on the walls of the Barbershop.
Future projects or desires to give us a taster?
There are always projects going on! I will continue to draw for a solo exhibition and work on collective exhibition project: a Parisian gallery will give me the carte blanche. I don’t want to say too much for now, but it will be with French and international artists. – Look out for this early 2014.
A final word?
Thanks to Olow for this exhibition! And thank you for your interest in creation and for spending a little of your time. Peace!
-I Suga Can Fly- collaboration with Le Karibou
Massive thanks to Hélène for her contribution.
To see the rest of her works go to her > official site and facebook page
Interview by © Julien Catala
