Interview: Elle-louise Burguez
We spoke to painter and musician, Elle-louise Burguez about her life growing up on the east coast of Australia, what inspires her art and what she has learnt from 2020 so far.
“Tell us a little about yourself”
I am a painter and musician and constantly trying to learn and grow and be the best and most loving version of myself.
“Where did you grow up and what is your favourite childhood memory?”
I grew up in QLD Australia. Between Brisbane and the beach on the Sunshine Coast. My favourite childhood memory would have to be a mixture of all the days spent on our humble little yellow boat called 'The Bay Lady'. My parents and I would swim and picnic on the boat and some days I would bring a friend a long. We would find little banks of sand to stop on and it felt like we were on our own secret island with white sand and crystal-aqua blue water. It felt magical and very happy. I am always nostalgic for those carefree days and trying to feel the same freedom and calm in my heart.
“How did you get into music?”
Music has always been around me. I was premature as a baby and my family used many things to help me heal and one way was to always have classical music playing. Both sides of the family are very musical. I started piano and singing at 4 years old and haven't really stopped since. That being said, with all these years practice I could have become far more skilled. I tend to just be an intuitive musician and play more by ear. My family has always sung songs together in big groups or intimate groups.. by the piano, drinks in hand or just hand in hand. Music makes me SO emotional and it is a very big part of my life. To sing is to express myself in the most vulnerable and purest way. I love it.
“How would you describe yourself?”
If I were to answer without over thinking I would say I am sensitive, empathetic, young at heart, loving, dorky, creative, living for simple pleasures and connection with people I love.
“Where do you find inspiration? ”
So many things consciously and subconsciously. Nature uplifts my mood more than anything. The thousands of butterflies flying around my home and the ocean at the moment and flowers that I see on my walk to the beach. Specific things inspiring me at the moment would be- French music, math, "States of Undress" documentary, furniture design by Françoise arnal, history of Israel, playing with air dry clay, Jacquemus always, the colours at sunset, speaking to friends about religion and faith, dancing, coffee makes me so inspired (sometimes too much so lol).
“What are some key learnings you have taken so far in 2020?”
Oh I have learnt so much already this year. I have been learning a lot about inner peace and finding deep joy like when I was a child. Learning about loving people unconditionally and focus on how I make others feel and that it must always be positive. Sometimes I have been scared about how fast time seems to go and of what the future holds but then I remember that each day is such a blessing. We get to wake up and start fresh each morning and do a little better each day. I am trying to live a life full of hope rather than a life of fear. I guess I am doing that by finding simple pleasures everyday and realising how lucky I am to even just go for a swim at the beach with my family and laugh and surf.
“Any tips for first time painters?”
There are NO rules. Be free like when you were a little kid. Just keep playing. Get a book with lots of paper and just keep painting.
“When you think of FAITHFULL THE BRAND what comes to mind?”
Straight away the most beautiful visuals come to mind. Of being on holiday in Italy and by the sea.. bare foot and romantic scenes at dusk.. twirling around in a pretty dress.
