Workshop: Eva Magill-Oliver

In 2007, I moved to Paris to join my fiancé who was pursuing his MBA at HEC Paris. I left quite happily to live with him in anticipation of a new life and new adventures. Hardly knowing the French language at all, things in the beginning were quite challenging to say the least.

In time though, things fell into place. I studied the language, made new friends, and soaked in as much of the French culture as I could. I miss everything from those times, but certain things I miss the most are – first and foremost, les brocantes. I adored how every weekend in a new “quartier”, I could peruse all of the beautiful objects from linens to antiques to artwork. A close second are the museums. Being able to take the metro to view beautiful, historic works of art and then be back at my apartment in the space of a few hours was like being in a dream. People in large cities should never take this opportunity for granted.

Being a vegan in Paris, I also miss one of my favourite “restos” in the 4eme, Le Potager Du Marais near Le Centre Pompidou.

Keeping sketchbooks and journals has always been a regular practice of mine. I love the tangible aspect of sketchbooks and books in general. I think it is important for an artist to keep one in an effort to record ideas and inspirational imagery that can often be fleeting. The art and usage of the sketchbook has evolved a bit for me over the past year or so, but quite naturally. Doing these sketchbook “assemblages” incorporates my love of design, art, and photography, while at the same time highlighting texture, pattern, shape, and line.

I also have been interested and encouraged to continue to do the sketchbooks because I believe they represent the true soul of an artist. They are not polished or framed or residing in an elegant home – they are simple, humble, and sincere. All qualities I hope to express and emulate myself.

PAPER & PAINT MIXED COLLAGE [Originals], Using IMPRESSION ORIGINALE wraps.

My family and I moved to Atlanta last Summer from Asheville, NC. The move was bittersweet for me. I knew I would miss the beautiful mountains, landscapes, and certainly the great friends I had made there. But I also knew moving to a larger city would bring new opportunities for both me and my family.

Eva has agreed to work her magic on one of her notebook with IMPRESSION ORIGINALE design paper wrap. She has come up with an incredible and very personnal interpretation of the “A thousand and one Roses Wrap” from Monika Forsberg and “Optical Wave Wrap” from Matt Chase.

She lives in a fairly quiet and small neighbourhood, so from her studio you mainly hear birds and neighbourhood kids playing. Even though Eva loves music, she can’t seem to play it while painting. She prefers to be in her own mind and thoughts, which helps her to focus on the task at hand.

As far as smells, Eva loves coffee, so it smells that in addition to paints and other materials that surround her in the studio.

Probably a deep blue – generally, blues remind me of the ocean that I grew up very close to on the coast of South Carolina. It brings a sense of calm, reflection, peacefulness, and quiet. All things that I strive to find in myself and in my daily life. I also love how dark colors stand strong on their own, yet highlight and enhance surrounding colors – the kind of relationship I would like to find with myself and those around me.