Parisian Je Ne Sais Quoi with Marie Assénat

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

“I was born in Paris, my mum was working for a magazine as a decoration journalist, and my father is a photographer. My childhood was very joyful; I loved painting with my grandmother and creating still-life pieces that my mum would display for us. I used to go to museums with my mum; all these things combined developed my curiosity and my interest in the arts in general.”

“After high school, I went to Belgium to a great art school in Brussels called La Cambre. There, I studied visual communication, design and illustration. I spent 5 years there, and it was some of my best years.”

How would you describe your art style?

“It is hard to judge by myself, but when people see my illustrations, they often say it's naive. I would say my art is playful, and I try to avoid being too serious. Colour is very important to me; it gives life to my drawing. I couldn't consider drawing without colour. I love to draw with my instinct without trying to intellectualise things too much.”

Where do you find your inspiration?

“In flea markets, in old books, museums, nature and travels. And old photos I find on Pinterest.”

Who would you say are your biggest influences?

“Henri Matisse, David Hockney and Saul Steinberg are in my top three! I love Serenade from The Blue Guitar by Hockney:”

You've worked with many big-name brands. Have you had any real 'pinch me' moments?

“Yes, when Tiffany & Co. in Japan invited me to fly to Tokyo for a meeting. It was unreal. I still can't believe it when I think about it. That was my first collaboration with my agent, Fumie Shimoji, in Japan.”

Do you have a piece of work you're particularly proud of or something close to your heart?

“I loved doing some little spots for The New Yorker magazine's special Halloween issue: This is a memory of my time living in NY; I loved the Halloween atmosphere there. There's nothing like that in Paris!”

You spent a few years living between Paris and Brooklyn. Is there a culture shock when you go between the two?

“I love the dynamic of both cities; the culture shock is quite big between Parisians, who love to complain, and ultra-enthusiastic New Yorkers. But honestly, I love both.”

What do you like most about your neighbourhood?

“I love to walk in the streets; I have the chance to live in the centre of Paris, and I go to my workspace every day on foot. It's like being in a movie; so many things are happening all the time; watching people is great!”

How would you spend your perfect weekend?

“I would walk around to discover a new neighbourhood, go to a bookstore and have a good ice cream if it's summer! Something simple. If I can escape from Paris, I would go to the sea, that is the best thing to do in my opinion. Also, napping is one of my favourite hobbies.”