My life
Since childhood, I have been an observer of my surroundings. My curiosity and silence enabled me to perceive details around me to a great amount. The wind, rustling through treetops, carrying their graceful leaves to me; slowly blossoming spring flowers, turning their petals towards the sun; the large, startled eyes of a deer gazing deep into my soul. I learned to love moments of solitude, tranquility, and silence, perhaps it was even my inherent nature from the start. It might have been these emotions that drew me towards art, towards capturing the beautiful world I saw. I believe each of us possesses a slightly different perspective and perceives different things, which is why I've decided to pass on my version of the surroundings. Through this conviction, I discovered my destiny and my mission in the realm of artistic expression.
In addition to the picturesque corners amidst the solitude of the forest, I discovered my love for mythology and for what is hidden from our eyes by nature. I often imagined myself running freely among the wolves through the deepest parts of the forest, dancing with dryads in the dew-covered morning grass, and conversing with the departed souls above stone graves. From fantasies, faith arose, in which, despite the pressures of the ordinary mortal world around me, I persevered.
Through this faith and my interest in various religions, I awakened a curiosity within me regarding death and burial practices across different cultures, as well as the contemporary potential for a positive approach to death and green burial. On this subject, I painted and even wrote my thesis.
Lately, I've also been striving to merge my passion for artistic endeavors with historical events at castles and châteaux, not only within the Czech Republic. It might just happen that you encounter me at Houska, Horní hrad, or Chojnik. And if you don't come across me there, perhaps you'll discover a greeting in the form of a postcard.
My career
With the conviction that I wanted to become an artist, I carefully selected Petřiny Sever as my middle school. I embarked on preparatory courses under the guidance of Daniela Messiereurová, and thanks to the courses, I successfully secured a spot in the art-focused class. Beyond conventional painting, I had the chance to delve into ceramics and woodcarving. As the middle school progressed, I made the decision to carry my artistic journey forward onto a secondary art school.
During this time, I once again attended Daniela's courses, repeatedly and with joy.
I was contemplating between restoration at Hellichovka and graphic design at SUPŠ. I passed both entrance exams, yet in the end, mostly due to the environment and approach of the instructors, I decided to pursue my studies at SUPŠ. After my first year there, I knew I had made the right choice.
At the end of my studies, I applied to the Academy of Fine Arts for the painting studio, but ultimately without success. I proceeded to study painting at the Higher Professional School of Art, also in Žižkov.
During my studies, I realized that I lacked technical knowledge and practical experience. Over the course of three years, I learned a lot, improved my skills, and experimented with techniques such as sgraffito and fresco.
Since 2022, I've been pursuing an artistic career on my own, striving to gradually introduce my art to the world.
Pseudonym
I have been actively using my current pseudonym since 2019 when I made the decision to dedicate myself to my artistic work at a professional level. At that time, I was creating graphic commissions under my real name, and I chose to use this pseudonym to distinguish my personal creations from my applied work.
I had been using the name Arlette in its Czech form "Arletka" earlier, as a nickname. I chose it based on our cockatiel's name. After years of use, it naturally became a part of me, so it wasn't difficult for me to identify with the new form and purpose it carried.
I chose the surname "de Voile" based on its meaning: "of the canvas." By combining these two names, a pseudonym emerged that is unique and easily memorable.
During the time I've been using the pseudonym, I have encountered both advantages and obstacles. The most complex situation arises when there is a merging of the free creative process with applied graphics - illustrating and designing books.