Today, we're introducing you to a maker who wasn't born in Texas (or even the USA), but she's making up for lost time with a gorgeous collection of keepsake boxes, art prints, and drink coasters— some shaped like the great state of Texas! We can't wait to introduce you to Evelyne, the talented artist behind ArtsByEvlynn— we know you'll show her a big Texas welcome!
Texas Coasters
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
I'm Evelyne Dieu, originally from Belgium, and I was partially raised in Spain, where my grandparents live. I moved to Dallas in the Summer of '21 with my fur babies, Bourbon and Bentley. I'm an interior designer at a high-end hospitality design firm, I study an executive MBA, and I'm an artist.
Evelyne Dieu - founder of ArtsByEvlynn
Welcome to Texas! We're so glad you're here! What are you most excited about for the future?
I'm looking forward to getting to know my future clients and for them to open up to me and to be able to thank them for doing so by portraying their life stories through symbolism as an everlasting memory of their strength and survival. To have my home decor be small pieces of art that make it into homes of people's loved ones as a token of appreciation, and what better way to warm someone's heart than with a unique gift of art?
Art is such a beautiful way to connect with people. Tell us about ArtsByEvlynn— what do you make, and how long have you been doing it?
My business's name is ArtsByEvlynn, and I sign all my art with my artist name, Evlynn.
I was always annoyed with how people pronounced my name, so for my artist name, I wrote it the way you say it. I thought that would fix things, but now people get confused over my real and artist names, so the joke's on me.
I symbolically portray people's life stories, trauma, and mental health recovery with portrait paintings. I also have a home decor collection of mixed media art(icles) that are sold in Belgium, EU, and at Mosaic Makers Co in Dallas, TX. I have a degree in Applied Visual Arts and 15 years of experience painting portraits on canvas.
Portrait by ArtsByEvlynn
Evelyne, we love the story of your business name. What is your favorite part of your job?
I get to help people. I get to rewrite their history in some way and give them their power back. Help them remember their strength and survival, and the good that outlived the bad. It's such a powerful tool, and to see their body posture change when they look at the portrait as if they look in the mirror and see the best version of themselves, that's what drives me. I love that I can get to know people on a very personal level through my work and that through my own life experiences, I can share with my clients that I resonate and they can trust me to deliver a qualitative and meaningful work of art that they can cherish.
The way you empower survivors through portraits is incredible. May you continue to touch so many lives through your talents. What's the most recent show you binge-watched?
I recently binged Bel Air and The Best Man.
Great choices! Thanks so much for sharing your story with us today, Evelyne. We're so glad to have you as a maker at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop ArtsByEvlynn? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop ArtsByEvlynn online