These Four Walls

  • BLOG
    • INTERIORS
    • TRAVEL
    • LIFESTYLE
  • ABOUT
  • WORK WITH ME
    • BRINGING YOUR BRAND STORY TO LIFE
    • INTERIORS / PRODUCT STYLING & PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
    • TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO
    • PRESS, FEATURES & AWARDS
  • DESIGN SERVICE
  • SHOP MY HOME
  • BUY MY BOOK

Profile | Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery

June 8, 2018

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Today I’m continuing my series of interviews with inspiring makers and creatives by chatting to another long-term Instagram friend, Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery.

I’ve been an admirer of Emilie’s photography for years – in fact I’ve featured an interview with her before, as part of my 2015 ‘Instagram inspiration’ series – so I was very excited to see her move into watercolour painting. I was actually the first-ever customer when she launched her Etsy shop last year, and one of her abstract prints now takes pride of place in our living room.

Emilie’s work is beautifully minimalist, and I’m sure everyone who looks at it will see something different in the expressive brush strokes and soothing shades of grey and blue – to me, they speak of forests, rivers and towering mountains. There’s also an intriguing story behind it, so over to Emilie herself to explain more…

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Please can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

“I’m originally from Belgium, but I left home to be with my other half and I’ve been in the UK for nearly eight years. After a few years in the Peak District and the Scottish Highlands, we’ve now settled down in London. Yes I know, it really should be the other way round, but I guess we like doing things differently!”

Have you always loved painting?

“Art in general has always been an important part of my life, whether in the form of drawing, photography, writing or painting. I know it sounds like a cliché, but I genuinely couldn’t live without it. Being creative is probably the one thing that gives me pure joy and makes me feel alive. When it comes to painting, I used to have a very different style, and strangely enough oil was my medium. I had never used watercolour before and a whole decade had passed without me holding a paint brush, until I found my true style last year and IyaGallery began to take shape.”

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

How would you describe that style?

“Pure, minimalist and poetic. The essence of my work is very much inspired by two of the main characteristics of the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic: kanso, which means simplicity, and seijaku, which means tranquillity. But as I’ve only been using watercolour for a year or so, I would say that my style is constantly evolving as I experiment with the medium and learn how to express myself with it.”

Speaking of Japan, it seems to have a particularly strong influence on your work. Where does that stem from?

“It’s funny. Have you ever loved something or been fascinated by something and you don’t know why? Well, I have that with Japan. I always had a fascination, even before experiencing it in person. When I was 18, I suddenly decided to go to night school to learn Japanese, and I’d been dreaming of visiting the country ever since. In December that dream finally came true, and it was life-changing. For me Japan is beauty, respect, precision, purity, dedication, commitment… It feels like home.”

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

What else inspires you?

“Life, nature, serendipity. And other artists, especially California-based Satsuki Shibuya – I’m in absolute awe of her art and it was actually her work that made me want to experiment with watercolour for the very first time. I owe her the happiness I’ve found in my painting.”

Do you go through any particular rituals or processes when you paint? Do you need to be in a certain mood or a certain place?

“I wish I could paint any day, any time, any place, but I definitely need to be in a particular frame of mind. I usually put on some background music (most of the time it’s my Japan playlist) and then sit in my studio, aka the floor of my living room with the coffee table as my desk! And I need to be alone.”

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

You launched your first collection last year. How did it come about, and what have been the highs and lows along the way?

“Launching a collection was something I had been wanting to do for a very long time, but I never felt confident enough. Then one weekend when I was home alone, I woke up early in the morning and thought: “I just need to do this”. I painted from 6.30am to 1.30pm without a break, and when I finally stopped and looked around me, I had about 15 pieces on the floor and the biggest smile on my face. I felt a mix of pure joy and exhaustion. It was the best feeling ever, and something I’ll never forget.

“A few months later I opened my Etsy shop, first under my own name before changing it to IyaGallery in homage to a cherished place I visited in Japan. It would never have seen the light of day had it not been for the support of my partner and some friends who encouraged me to share my work. I felt extremely shy and vulnerable about it, but I’m so grateful they believed in me and pushed me to do it.”

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Do you have any personal favourites from your range?

“To be honest it keeps changing as I create new pieces. It also really depends on my mood, as each work has a different impact on me. For now, I would say it varies between the first eight pieces in my shop. Interestingly, the first three of these are my top sellers.”

What’s next for you and IyaGallery?

“I dream of having my own studio one day and exhibiting around the world – it would be amazing to be able to make a living out of my passion (no biggie, then!). But for now, I’m enjoying the journey and making the most of the opportunities, the support and the lovely exchanges with customers along the way. That said, I do hope to share some very exciting news soon, so watch this space…!”

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Profile - Emilie Van Camp of IyaGallery | These Four Walls blog

Finally, do you have any words of advice for others who want to follow their dream and launch their own creative business?

“Just do it. If I can, you can! Joking apart, I’d say the key to success is finding you ikigai – a Japanese concept whose meaning roughly translates as ‘reason for being’ and which encompasses joy, a sense of purpose and a feeling of wellbeing. Then, when you’ve got it, don’t let go of it and don’t be shy about sharing it with the world. The world will be a better place for it.”

Wise words to end on! Thanks Emilie!

Head over to IyaGallery to see more of Emilie’s beautiful work and browse her Etsy shop; prices start at £15 for an unframed print. You can also follow her on Instagram at @emilievancamp.

Photography by Emilie Van Camp and Quentin Ferrier

Related

18 Comments · Interiors

Comments

  1. Stacey Sheppard says

    June 10, 2018 at 6:40 am

    I really like this kind of artwork. It’s very calming and tranquil. Would be great in a bedroom. I’m glad she found her ikigai!

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 10, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      It’s gorgeous isn’t it? And yes it would be so perfect in a bedroom! I might have to treat myself to another print… x

      Reply
  2. Jumi Awomosu- The School of Artful Living says

    June 10, 2018 at 11:58 am

    These prints are just lovely, very calming and soothing and yes indeed poetic… simply gorgeous!

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 10, 2018 at 12:19 pm

      They’re beautiful aren’t they? And so expressive x

      Reply
  3. Nicola Capper says

    June 10, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    What a very talented lady. I certainly need to add some ikigai to my life x

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 10, 2018 at 12:18 pm

      She is indeed! And isn’t ‘ikigai’ a lovely concept? x

      Reply
  4. Pati says

    June 10, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    I think her art is simple yet very striking and makes you stop and look – I just love her designs x

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 10, 2018 at 4:20 pm

      I totally agree with you. And I think everyone will see something different in it. I love the colours too x

      Reply
  5. JENNY KAKOUDAKIS says

    June 10, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    I like the simplicity of the artwork. Watercolour is not an easy medium. I would prefer something more complex for myself personally but I can totally understand why this style is very attractive to a lot of people. Would like it framed in three or four. Great find Abi.

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 11, 2018 at 10:08 am

      Thanks Jenny. Yes they’d look lovely framed in a group wouldn’t they? I might have to treat myself to some more… 😉

      Reply
  6. Natalia says

    June 10, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    I also am fascinated by Japan and love the simplicity and teanquility of these pieces. Very striking!

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 11, 2018 at 10:09 am

      Oh me too when it comes to Japan! I love Japanese minimalism but also the detail in its art and design – I think Emilie somehow captures both in her artwork.

      Reply
  7. Camilla Bellord says

    June 12, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    What stunning minimalist art! So utterly serene! Love it.

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 12, 2018 at 2:06 pm

      It’s beautiful isn’t it? Calming and intriguing at the same time. Emilie is so talented.

      Reply
  8. Mary Middleton (@hello_peagreen) says

    June 12, 2018 at 2:26 pm

    I love how minimal and spare this is. I think they’d have the most impact as a group or triptych. What a talented lady.

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 13, 2018 at 11:22 am

      They’d look beautiful in clusters wouldn’t they? I might have to treat myself to some more… x

      Reply
  9. Marlene says

    June 15, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    Lovely peaceful artwork! I like the minimal and simplistic approach. The beauty in the little details. Thank you for sharing this artist!

    Reply
    • Abi says

      June 15, 2018 at 12:42 pm

      A pleasure! I’m so glad you like Emilie’s work – it really is beautiful.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

HELLO

Abi Dare | These Four Walls blog

I’m Abi Dare – a stylist, photographer and writer based in Bristol (UK). I set up this blog to share interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration for simple, relaxed living at home and beyond. You’ll find home tours, advice and tips, interviews, reviews, postcards from places I love and more – always with a focus on soft minimalism, muted colours and timeless, considered design.

‘Top 10 UK interior design blogs’ 2025, 2024, 2023 & 2022, Vuelio

‘Best Interior Design Blog’, uFurnish Home Awards 2024

Winner of the ‘Blogger’ category in the Sweetpea & Willow Home Influencer Awards 2023

‘Best Design & Architecture Blog’, UK Blog Awards 2019

BUY MY BOOK

Order a copy of my first book, The Soft Minimalist Home – Calm, Cozy Decor for Real Lives and Spaces, published by Ryland Peters & Small and available now.

NEWSLETTER

Sign up to my newsletter

Subscribe here to receive more interiors, lifestyle and travel inspiration straight to your inbox.

WORK WITH ME

Photography, styling & content creation | These Four Walls blog

Discover how I can help you tell your brand story through photography, styling and content creation…

DESIGN SERVICES

Interior design services | These Four Walls

Find out how my interior design packages could help you create a home you love…

DISCLOSURE

These Four Walls occasionally contains paid-for content, gifted products and affiliate links (where I receive a commission on sales of the products concerned). All such content is clearly marked. Thank you for supporting the posts that make this blog possible.

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Bloglovin

INSTAGRAM

A few snaps from the gorgeous @gubiofficial showro A few snaps from the gorgeous @gubiofficial showroom in London, which I visited during @clerkenwelldesignweek earlier this week. I missed the opening event for this last year, so it was great to finally have a look around in person. The light is stunning, as is GUBI's selection of contemporary and classic designs - including the sculptural and futuristic F300 lounge  chair, first designed by Pierre Paulin in the 1960s and recently relaunched. 

Which room or corner is your favourite...?

#minimalistinterior #danishdesign #scandiinterior #scandiinspo #nordicminimalism #scandinaviandecor #softminimalism #interiorsinspo #interiorsinspiration
Eight years ago today. Carousel posts didn't exist Eight years ago today. Carousel posts didn't exist then so I'm using our anniversary as an excuse to share some of my favourite wedding photos.

I have so many happy memories from the day, but what I remember the most is all the laughter. And the funniest best men's (Chris had four!) speech I've ever heard. I wish we'd had a videographer just to capture that.

Anyway, thanks @small_round_things for the last eight years - and for the 13 before we actually got around to tying the knot!

Venue: @pyneshouse 
Photography: @taylorandporter
Back on the grid after more than two weeks. Thanks Back on the grid after more than two weeks. Thanks to everyone who sent messages checking I was OK - I just lost my Instagram mojo and needed a bit of a break. Anyway, here are some phone-camera snippets of life lately...

1.  Guard cat on duty while I work
2.  Evening light hitting the last of the Japanese quince blossom in the garden 
3.  Country drives
4.  Coming across 17th-century graffiti while house-hunting
5 & 6.  A lazy Sunday stroll on Clevedon Pier, on one of those hazy days where the sea and sky seem to merge into one
7.  Keeping drooping spring blooms going for as long as possible 
8 & 9.  Wisteria at @ntbarringtoncourt in Somerset 
10.  Brunch at the always-wonderful @lunitapasteleria 
11.  Enjoying the balmy spring breeze 
12.  Stunning mosaic floors at Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire 
13.  Bluebell season
14.  My kind of wine
15.  Wild garlic 

#springhassprung #slowsimpleseasonal #cornersofmyworld #lifelately #blossomseverywhere #thisprettyengland #thelocalwayfarer #westcountry #littlestoriesofmylife #poetryofsimplethings #seeingthepretty #tinytinymoments
[AD - PR product] I've always loved marble as a ma [AD - PR product] I've always loved marble as a material, and the beige Kunis Breccia version of the @newworksdk 'Kizu' table lamp caught my eye immediately. I now have this design in three different colourways around the house, and this is definitely my favourite to date! 

#softminimalisthome #softminimalstyle #neutralhomedecor #simplehomestyle #minimalistdecor #simpleinterior #mycosyhome #neutrallivingroom #minimalistlighting #scandiinterior

PRIVACY POLICY | Copyright © 2025 THESE FOUR WALLS BLOG

This site uses cookies to give you the best possible web experience. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with this.OKReject cookiesLearn more