Metropolitan Painting

From the age of two, Pascale Van Eycken knew what she wanted to do – to draw and paint. Perhaps, then, it is unsurprising that Pascale would eventually study Art. At Sint Lukas, Brussels, the foundations of her future career were formed. She was drawn to Cubism, and, in particular, the expressive vibrancy of COBRA, inspired by children's drawings. Initially, she was privileged to receive tuition from GAL, political cartoonist and painter, and the sculptor Philip Aguirre y Otegui. Later, she specialised and graduated in Applied Graphic Design. After a diverse career, in marketing, communication and television, four years ago Pascale picked up the threads of her graphic design training, enrolling at the Art Academie in Leuven. As a printmaker, she experimented with planographic techniques, including mono printing. The results were surprising. She also explored relief and intaglio techniques, such as linocut and etching. In addition, Pascale creates striking, graphic works using acrylic paint and mixed media such as charcoal, bistre, pastel or ink. Daily life inspires the subject matter of her artwork. She seeks out the playful, the dynamic, and the mechanical. Usually, she begins with taking a photograph. Then, adapting, manipulating and stylising it, this forms a rough draft. The reworked photo determines the chosen technique. Sometimes only line and colour are used. A long process, each piece evolves slowly, eventually reaching the desired result. Her figures, or ‘silhouettes', are her trademark. ‘I enjoy best being surrounded by my family and friends. Observing people fascinates me. When painting figures, I let my artistry tell a story, to create abstract images, enticing the viewer's imagination. It strikes me that even non art-minded people are intrigued by my work.’ Pascale has an observant nature and experiments with many techniques in her own work. She relishes self-study, and doesn't shy away from experimentation of form and method. Thus, her oeuvre also encompasses murals, portrait drawings of her children, and photography. At times, she even takes up the welding torch, creating small furniture and objects. Certainly, Pascale is ‘een experimentele duizendpoot’ - a Jack-of-all trades.