Eliora Bousquet, a French-listed abstract painter and illustrator, has carved a unique space in the art world through her expressive and celestial-inspired works. Born in Angoulême, France, in 1970, Eliora’s artistic journey began in 2009, yet her passion for art was ignited much earlier—under the vast night sky of her childhood. Those formative moments, spent listening to her father’s guitar beneath the stars, became the foundation of her creative vision.
Her art is an exploration of freedom, light, and emotion, transcending traditional boundaries to evoke a sense of wonder and contemplation. Whether drawing inspiration from poetry, music, or the infinite sky, Eliora approaches painting as a way to translate the unseen into color and form. Her abstract and semi-abstract works act as visual riddles, inviting viewers to unlock their hidden messages and engage in a deeper dialogue with the art.
Here is the intervew with the artist.
What is your creative process like?
Eliora: My creative process is a blend of intuition and structure. I start with an idea, often inspired by romantic poems (Charles Baudelaire, Théodore de Banville, William Wordsworth, John Keats,…), or music (classical and jazz). From there, I experiment with materials, colors, and forms until I find the right balance.
Most of times, my work evolves organically as I allow spontaneity to guide me. Sometimes, I follow a more deliberate path, refining each detail to achieve my vision. It depends on the collection of paintings and technic I am using. Most of my paintings are abstract, but some are semi-abstract as they represent the universe we’re living in or that I imagine. Regardless of the collection, my gestures are always free and spontaneous, seeking to capture the present moment and imbue my paintings with a vibrant energy that I hope to transmit to the viewers.
Each of my paintings is the result of a meticulous exploration of color, its nuances, and its optical effects. The search for light, contrast, and balance lies at the very heart of my artistic approach. As such, colors play a central role in my art. I view them in a non-academic way, as visual emotions, with each hue carrying its own symbolic meaning. Blue (especially turquoise) – a color situated between sky and sea – is a common thread throughout my collections. Representing freedom and infinity, blue is the color of the sky, which I never tire of admiring. I love the sky because it belongs to everyone, even though no one can own it. It is an eternal space, a realm of perfection and harmony, unreachable yet endlessly inspiring – a space between yesterday and tomorrow, where freedom takes root and imagination soars.
How has your style changed over time?
Eliora: My style has naturally evolved as I’ve grown both personally and artistically. In my early works, I focused on watercolor figurative landscapes, because I was fascinated by the sky, the sea and flowers.
Over time, I’ve explored different techniques (oil, ink, pouring paint) and themes, gradually shifting towards abstract works painted in acrylic on canvas or mixed media.
Each phase has been a reflection of my journey, and I continue to embrace change as part of my artistic growth.
Do any personal experiences shape your work?
Eliora: Absolutely. My work is deeply influenced by the world around me, above all the sky and the universe we are living in. But above all, my art is a constant homage to the light that guides my path in an endless spiritual quest. Through my creations, I strive to show that the human soul can be freed from the constraints of this world, its limitations, imposed patterns, and standards that stifle the true expression of our inner being.
Each painting I create embodies this search for FREEDOM as though it longs for wings to soar. It reflects an unyielding desire to break the chains separating us from our deep essence. Each collection, every work, invites us to rise toward a higher ideal, to a realm that transcends the visible boundaries of our daily lives.
I believe in a perfect plan, crafted by our Creator, whose infinite and harmonious work resonates in every star, every cloud, every particle of matter. My work is an homage to this Creator – the greatest Artist of all time – Author of the most beautiful masterpiece in the world.
As a completely self-taught painter, my quest has always been to capture the beauty of His creation and translate it through forms and colors capable of evoking profound emotions, to pay tribute and express gratitude for the incredible gift of creativity bestowed upon me at birth.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
Eliora: Like many artists, I face challenges such as balancing creativity with the business side of art, staying inspired, and pushing my boundaries. Sometimes, self-doubt or external expectations can create pressure, but I try to stay true to my vision. Finding the right opportunities to showcase my work and connect with an audience is also an ongoing journey. However, these challenges push me to grow and refine my artistic voice.
What do you want people to feel when they see your art?
Eliora: I see art as a way to process emotions and tell stories that connect with others on a deeper level.
Passionate about reading and writing, I enjoy painting as much as I enjoy “depicting.”
Every painting belongs to a thematic collection, each with its own story. My paintings function like visual riddles. I always paint them as if writing a mystery novel: each has a story whose key the audience must discover and carries a specific message. Some paintings are even connected to each other; they must be viewed as if reading a trilogy to grasp their full meaning. In most cases, the riddles are contained in the paintings’ titles. For this reason, I describe my work as “keyed painting,” inviting viewers to unlock its deeper meanings.
My approach invites the viewer into an active dialogue with the work, making each painting a gateway to deeper reflection.
My ambition as an artist is simple. Through my paintings, I seek to build bridges between imagination and reality, to unveil invisible worlds, and to offer moments of contemplation.
Each painting is an invitation to slow down, to dream, and to rediscover the magic that surrounds us in everyday life.
I want people to feel a sense of connection, emotion, and introspection when they engage with my work. I want them to marvel at the beauty of our world with themed, coded paintings whose story and hidden messages they are invited to look for…
Whether it evokes nostalgia, curiosity, or serenity, I hope my art resonates with viewers in a personal way. I believe that art should spark dialogue and emotion, allowing each person to interpret it through their own experiences and feelings.
Eliora Bousquet’s work is more than just an aesthetic experience—it is an invitation to explore, reflect, and connect with something beyond the tangible world. Through her use of color, light, and symbolism, she challenges viewers to see beyond the surface, uncovering layers of meaning within each piece. Her belief in art as a bridge between imagination and reality resonates deeply, offering a moment of pause in a fast-moving world. With each painting, Eliora continues to share her vision of beauty, freedom, and introspection, leaving an open door for anyone willing to embark on the journey her art presents.
